Proverbs 1:17-33 ▼

17 Surely in vain is the net spread out before the eyes of any bird.

18 And they lay wait for their own blood, || They watch secretly for their own lives.

19 So [are] the paths of every gainer of dishonest gain, || It takes the life of its owners.

20 Wisdom cries aloud in an out-place, || She gives forth her voice in broad places,

21 She calls at the head of the multitudes, || In the openings of the gates, || In the city she says her sayings:

22 “Until when, you simple, do you love simplicity? And have scorners desired their scorning? And do fools hate knowledge?

23 Turn back at my reproof, behold, || I pour forth my spirit to you, || I make known my words with you.

24 Because I have called, and you refuse, || I stretched out my hand, and none is attending,

25 And you slight all my counsel, || And you have not desired my reproof.

26 I also laugh in your calamity, || I deride when your fear comes,

27 When your fear comes as destruction, || And your calamity comes as a windstorm, || When adversity and distress come on you.

28 Then they call me, and I do not answer, || They seek me earnestly, and do not find me.

29 Because that they have hated knowledge, || And have not chosen the fear of YHWH.

30 They have not consented to my counsel, || They have despised all my reproof,

31 And they eat of the fruit of their way, || And they are filled from their own counsels.

32 For the turning of the simple slays them, || And the security of the foolish destroys them.

33 And whoever is listening to me dwells confidently, || And [is] quiet from fear of evil!”