12 Let us swallow them alive like 3Sheol,

And whole, jlike those who go down to the Pit;

13 We shall find all kinds of precious 4possessions,

We shall fill our houses with 5spoil;

14 Cast in your lot among us,

Let us all have one purse”—

15 My son, kdo not walk in the way with them,

lKeep your foot from their path;

16 mFor their feet run to evil,

And they make haste to shed blood.

17 Surely, in 6vain the net is spread

In the sight of any 7bird;

18 But they lie in wait for their own blood,

They lurk secretly for their own lives.

19 nSo are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain;

It takes away the life of its owners.

The Call of Wisdom

20 oWisdom calls aloud 8outside;

She raises her voice in the open squares.

21 She cries out in the 9chief concourses,

At the openings of the gates in the city

She speaks her words:

22 “How long, you 1simple ones, will you love 2simplicity?

For scorners delight in their scorning,

And fools hate knowledge.

23 Turn at my rebuke;

Surely pI will pour out my spirit on you;

I will make my words known to you.

24 qBecause I have called and you refused,

I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,

25 Because you rdisdained all my counsel,

And would have none of my rebuke,

26 sI also will laugh at your calamity;

I will mock when your terror comes,