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,
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 knowledgeAnd did not choose the fear of the Lord,