Study Desk

Wisdom, in the open place, soundeth forth, in the broadways, she raiseth her voice;

At the head of bustling streets, she crieth aloud, - at the openings of the gates in the city - her sayings, she doth utter: -

How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and, scoffers, in scoffing, delight them? and, dullards, hate knowledge?

Will ye turn, at my reproof? Lo! I will pour out to you my spirit, I will make known my words to you.

Because I called, and ye refused, I stretched out my hand, and no one regarded;

But ye dismissed all my counsel, and, to my rebuke, would not yield,

I also, at your calamity, will laugh, I will mock, when cometh your dread;

When cometh as a crashing your dread, and, your calamity, as a storm-wind, overtaketh, when there come upon you, distress and anguish.

Then, will they call me, but I will not answer, they will seek me diligently, but shall not find me.

Because they hated knowledge, and, the reverence of Yahweh, did not choose;

Consented not to my counsel, disdained all my rebuke,

Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and, with their own counsels, be filled.

For, the turning away of the simple, will slay them, - and, the carelessness of dullards, will destroy them.

Whereas, he that hearkeneth unto me, shall dwell safely, and be at rest, without dread of misfortune.

The woman Stupidity, is boisterous, so simple that she knoweth not what she would do;

So she sitteth at the entrance of her house, upon a seat, in the heights of the city;

To invite them who pass by the way, who are going straight on in their paths:

Whoso is simple, let him turn aside hither, and, as for him that lacketh sense, she saith to him:

Stolen waters, will be sweet, - and a secret meal, will be pleasant;

But he knoweth not, that the shades are there; In the depths of hades, are her guests.