^{20 Ref} Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares.

^{21 Ref} She calls at the head of noisy places. At the entrance of the city gates, she utters her words:

^{22 Ref} "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, And fools hate knowledge?

^{23 Ref} Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make known my words to you.

^{24 Ref} Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention;

^{25 Ref} But you have ignored all my counsel, And wanted none of my reproof;

^{26 Ref} I also will laugh at your disaster. I will mock when calamity overtakes you;

^{27 Ref} When calamity overtakes you like a storm, When your disaster comes on like a whirlwind; When distress and anguish come on you.

^{28 Ref} Then will they call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me;

^{29 Ref} Because they hated knowledge, And didn't choose the fear of Yahweh.

^{30 Ref} They wanted none of my counsel. They despised all my reproof.

^{31 Ref} Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes.

^{32 Ref} For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. The careless ease of fools will destroy them.

^{33 Ref} But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, And will be at ease, without fear of harm."