Proverbs 6:3-35 Do, my son, what I enjoin thee, and save thyself; for thou art come into the hands of bad men on thy friend's account. Be not remiss, but importune thy friend for whom thou art surety.

Thomson⁽ⁱ⁾ ³ Do, my son, what I enjoin thee, and save thyself; for thou art come into the hands of bad men on thy friend's account. Be not remiss, but importune thy friend for whom thou art surety. ⁴ Give no sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids, ⁵ that thou mayst be saved like a roe from a toil, and like a bird from a snare. ⁶ Go to the ant, thou sluggard; and having seen its ways follow the example and be wiser than it. ⁷ For having no cultivated field, no driver, nor master, ⁸ it provideth its food in summer, and layeth up a plentiful supply in harvest. Or go to the bee and learn what a Worker she is: and how seriously she performeth her work, to the labours of which both kings and subjects apply themselves as far as health permits; and to all it is agreeable and honourable. And though her strength be small, having honoured wisdom she is diligently employed. ⁹ How long wilt thou sleep, sluggard, and when wilt thou rouse from sleep? ¹⁰ Thou art sleeping a little; but resting a little; but taking a short nap; but folding thy hands a little while on thy breast! ¹¹ But is not poverty coming upon thee like an unwelcome traveller? And want like a speedy courier? Whereas if thou be diligent; thy harvest will come like a fountain, and want like a bad courier will run away. ¹² A man void of understanding, and a transgressor, walketh in ways which are not good. ¹³ But he winketh with his eye and maketh a sign with his foot; and teacheth, by pointing his fingers; ¹⁴ his depraved heart contriveth mischief. Such a one is continually raising tumults in a city. ¹⁵ For this cause his destruction cometh suddenly; Wounds and incurable bruises. ¹⁶ Because he delighteth in all those things which God hateth: therefore he is destroyed for the depravity of his soul. ¹⁷ His eye is that of a scorner; his tongue is false; his hands are employed in shedding innocent blood; ¹⁸ his heart contriveth wicked purposes, and his feet are swift to do evil: ¹⁹ as a false witness he spreadeth lies, and soweth discord among brethren. ²⁰ My son, keep the laws of thy father, and reject not the maxims of thy mother. ²¹ Bind them continually on thy mind: and tie them as a chain around thy neck. ²² When thou walkest, take this along and let it be with thee: and when thou sleepest, let it guard thee; that when thou awakest, it may talk with thee. ²³ For the command of a law is a lamp and light; and reproof and instruction is the way of life, ²⁴ to keep thee from a married woman; and from the flattering tongue of a strange woman. ²⁵ Let not a lust for beauty overcome thee: be not captivated by thine eyes, nor ensnared by her eyelids. ²⁶ For the price of a harlot is scarce that of a single loaf; but an adulteress hunteth for the precious lives of men. ²⁷ Can any one put fire in his bosom and not burn his clothes? ²⁸ Or can one walk on coals of fire and not burn his feet? ²⁹ So he who goeth in, to a married woman, cannot escape punishment; no, nor any one who toucheth her. ³⁰ It exciteth no wonder, if one be caught stealing; for a hungry man stealeth to satisfy his soul; ³¹ but if he be caught, he is to pay seven fold; and by giving all that he hath, he will deliver himself. ³² But he, who through want of understanding, committeth adultery, provideth destruction for his soul. ³³ He suffereth pangs and dishonour; and his reproach can never be wiped away. ³⁴ For the rage of her husband being full of jealousy, will not spare in the day of vengeance; ³⁵ nor will he abate his enmity for any ransom; nor be appeased by many gifts.