20. Wisdom calls out in the street, she shouts loudly in the plazas;
21. at the head of the noisy streets she calls,in the entrances of the gates in the city she utters her words:
22. “How long will you simpletons love naiveté?How long will mockers delight in mockeryand fools hate knowledge?
23. If only you will respond to my rebuke,then I will pour out my thoughts to youand I will make my words known to you.
24. However, because I called but you refused to listen,because I stretched out my hand but no one paid attention,
25. because you neglected all my advice,and did not comply with my rebuke,
26. so I myself will laugh when disaster strikes you,I will mock when what you dread comes,
27. when what you dread comes like a whirlwind,and disaster strikes you like a devastating storm,when distressing trouble comes on you.
28. Then they will call to me, but I will not answer;they will diligently seek me, but they will not find me.