17. for “in vain is the net scattered, in the sight of any winged bird.”
18. They lie in wait for their own blood. They ambush their own lives.
19. Thus are the ways of all who are greedy for gain— it will take the life of its possessors.
20. Wisdom calls out in the streets, in the squares she raises her voice.
21. On a busy corner she cries out, at the entrances of the gates in the city, she speaks her sayings:
22. “How long, O simple ones, will you love simplicity? And how long will scoffers delight in their scoffing, and fools hate knowledge?
23. May you turn to my argument! Behold, I shall pour out my spirit upon you; I will make my words known to you.
24. Because I called out and you refused me, I stretched out my hand, yet there is none who heeds.
25. You have ignored all my counsel, and my reproof you are not willing to accept.
26. I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when panic comes upon you.
27. When your panic comes like a storm, and your calamity arrives like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you,
28. then they will call me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but not find me.