Proverbs

²¹With much justifying and enticing argument she persuades him, with the allurements of her lips she leads him [to overcome his conscience and his fears] and forces him along. ²²Suddenly he [yields and] follows her reluctantly like an ox moving to the slaughter, like one in fetters going to the correction [to be given] to a fool or like a dog enticed by food to the muzzle ²³Till a dart [of passion] pierces and inflames his vitals; then like a bird fluttering straight into the net [he hastens], not knowing that it will cost him his life. ²⁴Listen to me now therefore, O you sons, and be attentive to the words of my mouth. ²⁵Let not your heart incline toward her ways, do not stray into her paths. ²⁶For she has cast down many wounded; indeed, all her slain are a mighty host. [Neh. 13:26.] ²⁷Her house is the way to Sheol (Hades, the place of the dead), going down to the chambers of death.