18
But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives.
19
So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.
20
Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares.
21
She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words:
22
"How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge.
23
Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.
24
Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,
25
Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke,
26
I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes,
27
When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you.
28
"Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
29
Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the Lord,
30
They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke.
31
Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies.
32
For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33
But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil."