Proverbs 1:21-31

English Standard Version

²¹ at the head of the noisy streets she cries out;
    at ^(A)the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
²² “How long, O ^(B)simple ones, will you love being simple?
How long will ^(C)scoffers delight in their scoffing
    and fools ^(D)hate knowledge?
²³ If you turn at my reproof,^[a]
behold, I will ^(E)pour out my spirit to you;
    I will make my words known to you.
^24 (F)Because I have called and ^(G)you refused to listen,
    have ^(H)stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
²⁵ because you have ^(I)ignored all my counsel
    and ^(J)would have none of my reproof,
²⁶ I also ^(K)will laugh at your calamity;
    I will mock when ^(L)terror strikes you,
²⁷ when terror strikes you like ^(M)a storm
    and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
    when distress and anguish come upon you.
^28 (N)Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
    they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
²⁹ Because they ^(O)hated knowledge
    and ^(P)did not choose the fear of the Lord,
^30 (Q)would have none of my counsel
    and ^(R)despised all my reproof,
³¹ therefore they shall eat ^(S)the fruit of their way,
    and have ^(T)their fill of their own devices.