Proverbs 1:21-33

21At the corners of noisy streets she calls out. At the entrances to the city she speaks her words,

22“How long will you gullible people love being so gullible? How long will you mockers find joy in your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge?

23“Turn to me when I warn you. I will generously pour out my spirit for you. I will make my words known to you.

24“I called, and you refused to listen. I stretched out my hands to you, and no one paid attention.

25You ignored all my advice. You did not want me to warn you.

26I will laugh at your calamity. I will make fun of you when panic strikes you,

27when panic strikes you like a violent storm, when calamity strikes you like a wind storm, when trouble and anguish come to you.

28“They will call to me at that time, but I will not answer. They will look for me, but they will not find me,

29because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord.

30They refused my advice. They despised my every warning.

31They will eat the fruit of their lifestyle. They will be stuffed with their own schemes.

32“Gullible people kill themselves because of their turning away. Fools destroy themselves because of their indifference.

33But whoever listens to me will live without worry and will be free from the dread of disaster.”