“To preserve you from the loose woman”: For “loose woman” see 2.16. This verse states the aim and purpose of verses 1-4. In some languages this verse is better handled as a new sentence. One translation says, “These things [wisdom and insight] will keep you far away from. . .”; another begins, “If the wife of another man wants to entice you and sleep with you, then wisdom will fence you in and. . ..”

“From the adventuress with her smooth words”: See 2.16.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .