17. They are like a birdthat sees the bait,but ignores the trap.
18. They gang up to murder someone,but they are the victims.
19. The wealth you get from crimerobs you of your life.
20. Wisdom shouts in the streetswherever crowds gather.
21. She shouts in the market placesand near the city gatesas she says to the people,
22. “How much longerwill you enjoybeing stupid fools?Won't you ever stop sneeringand laughing at knowledge?
23. Listen as I correct youand tell you what I think.
24. You completely ignored meand refused to listen;
25. you rejected my adviceand paid no attentionwhen I warned you.
26. “So when you are struckby some terrible disaster,
27. or when trouble and distresssurround you like a whirlwind,I will laugh and make fun of you.
28. You will ask for my help,but I won't listen;you will search,but you won't find me.
29. No, you would not learn,and you refusedto respect the Lord.
30. You rejected my adviceand paid no attentionwhen I warned you.
31. “Now you will eat the fruitof what you have done,until you are stuffed fullwith your own schemes.
32. Sin and self-satisfactionbring destruction and deathto stupid fools.
33. But if you listen to me,you will be safe and securewithout fear of disaster.”