New International Version

Proverbs 1:19-28 New International Version (NIV)

19. Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.

20. Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square;

21. on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech:

22. “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?

23. Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.

24. But since you refuse to listen when I call and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,

25. since you disregard all my advice and do not accept my rebuke,

26. I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you—

27. when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you.

28. “Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me,