Proverbs 1:18-29 New English Translation (NET)

18. but these men lie in wait for their own blood,they ambush their own lives!

19. Such are the ways of all who gain profit unjustly; it takes away the life of those who obtain it!

20. Wisdom calls out in the street, she shouts loudly in the plazas;

21. at the head of the noisy streets she calls,in the entrances of the gates in the city she utters her words:

22. “How long will you simpletons love naiveté?How long will mockers delight in mockeryand fools hate knowledge?

23. If only you will respond to my rebuke,then I will pour out my thoughts to youand I will make my words known to you.

24. However, because I called but you refused to listen,because I stretched out my hand but no one paid attention,

25. because you neglected all my advice,and did not comply with my rebuke,

26. so I myself will laugh when disaster strikes you,I will mock when what you dread comes,

27. when what you dread comes like a whirlwind,and disaster strikes you like a devastating storm,when distressing trouble comes on you.

28. Then they will call to me, but I will not answer;they will diligently seek me, but they will not find me.

29. Because they hated moral knowledge,and did not choose to fear the Lord,

Proverbs 1