13-20 She threw her arms around him and kissed him,
    boldly took his arm and said,
“I’ve got all the makings for a feast—
    today I made my offerings, my vows are all paid,
So now I’ve come to find you,
    hoping to catch sight of your face—and here you are!
I’ve spread fresh, clean sheets on my bed,
    colorful imported linens.
My bed is aromatic with spices
    and exotic fragrances.
Come, let’s make love all night,
    spend the night in ecstatic lovemaking!
My husband’s not home; he’s away on business,
    and he won’t be back for a month.”

21-23 Soon she has him eating out of her hand,
    bewitched by her honeyed speech.
Before you know it, he’s trotting behind her,
    like a calf led to the butcher shop,
Like a stag lured into ambush
    and then shot with an arrow,
Like a bird flying into a net
    not knowing that its flying life is over.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message Prayerful Reading Bible, Softcover
The Message Prayerful Reading Bible, Softcover
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $21.99
Save: $8.00 (27%)
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover-Case of  10
The Message Outreach Edition, Large-Print, softcover-Case of 10
Retail: $99.90
Our Price: $64.90
Save: $35.00 (35%)
4.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Gospel of John in Contemporary Language - eBook
The Message Gospel of John in Contemporary Language - eBook
Retail: $2.99
Our Price: $2.39
Save: $0.60 (20%)
The Message, Large Print, Brown Trio Leather-Look
The Message, Large Print, Brown Trio Leather-Look
Retail: $64.99
Our Price: $51.99
Save: $13.00 (20%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars