Proverbs 1:15-28 New Century Version (NCV)

15. My child, do not go along with them;do not do what they do.

16. They are eager to do eviland are quick to kill.

17. It is useless to spread out a netright where the birds can see it.

18. But sinners will fall into their own traps;they will only catch themselves!

19. All greedy people end up this way;greed kills selfish people.

20. Wisdom is like a woman shouting in the street;she raises her voice in the city squares.

21. She cries out in the noisy streetand shouts at the city gates:

22. “You fools, how long will you be foolish?How long will you make fun of wisdomand hate knowledge?

23. If only you had listened when I corrected you,I would have told you what’s in my heart;I would have told you what I am thinking.

24. I called, but you refused to listen;I held out my hand, but you paid no attention.

25. You did not follow my adviceand did not listen when I corrected you.

26. So I will laugh when you are in trouble.I will make fun when disaster strikes you,

27. when disaster comes over you like a storm,when trouble strikes you like a whirlwind,when pain and trouble overwhelm you.

28. “Then you will call to me,but I will not answer.You will look for me,but you will not find me.

Proverbs 1