Proverbs 1:18-32

18but they set an ambush to kill themselves; they attack their own lives.

19Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly; it takes the lives of those who receive it.

20Wisdom calls out in the street; she makes her voice heard in the public squares.

21She cries out above the commotion; she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:

22“How long, inexperienced ones, will you love ignorance? How long will you mockers enjoy mocking and you fools hate knowledge?

23If you respond to my warning, then I will pour out my spirit on you and teach you my words.

24Since I called out and you refused, extended my hand and no one paid attention,

25since you neglected all my counsel and did not accept my correction,

26I, in turn, will laugh at your calamity. I will mock when terror strikes you,

27when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when trouble and stress overcome you.

28Then they will call me, but I won’t answer; they will search for me, but won’t find me.

29Because they hated knowledge, didn’t choose to fear the Lord,

30were not interested in my counsel, and rejected all my correction,

31they will eat the fruit of their way and be glutted with their own schemes.

32For the apostasy of the inexperienced will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them.