Adherence to Instruction and the Adultery Trap

20

My son, obey your father's command, and don't abandon your mother's teaching.

21

Bind them always on your heart, tie them around your neck.

22

When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you wake up, they will talk with you.

23

For the mitzvah is a lamp, Torah is light, and reproofs that discipline are the way to life.

24

They keep you from an evil woman, from a loose woman's seductive tongue.

25

Don't let your heart lust after her beauty or allow her glance to captivate you.

26

The price of a whore is a loaf of bread, but the adulteress is hunting for a precious life.

27

Can a man carry fire inside his shirt without burning his clothes?

28

Can a man walk [barefoot] on hot coals without scorching his feet?

29

So is he who has sex with his neighbor's wife; anyone touching her will be punished.

30

A thief is not despised if he steals only to satisfy his appetite when hungry;

31

but even he, if caught, must pay back sevenfold; he may have to give up all the wealth that he owns.

32

He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.

33

He will get nothing but blows and contempt, and his disgrace will not be wiped away.

34

For jealousy drives a man into a rage; he will show no mercy when he takes revenge;

35

he will not accept compensation; he'll refuse every bribe, no matter how large.