New King James Version

Proverbs 1:15-26 New King James Version (NKJV)

15. My son, do not walk in the way with them,Keep your foot from their path;

16. For their feet run to evil,And they make haste to shed blood.

17. Surely, in vain the net is spreadIn the sight of any bird;

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 cityShe 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,