⁴ to give shrewdness^[a] to the simple,
    knowledge and purpose^[b] to the young,

³² for the waywardness of the simple ones will kill them,
    and the complacency of fools will destroy them.

⁷ And I saw among the simple,
    I observed among the youth,
    a young man lacking sense,^[a]

⁵ Learn prudence, O simple ones;
    fools, learn intelligence.^[a]

⁴ “Whoever is simple, let him turn here.”
    As for the one who lacks sense,^[a] she says to him,

¹⁶ “Whoever is simple, may he turn here!”
    As for he who lacks sense,^[a] she says to him,

¹⁵ The simple will believe every word,
    but the clever will consider his step.

²⁵ The scoffer you shall strike, and the simple, may they learn prudence,
    and reprove the intelligent and he will gain knowledge.

¹¹ With the punishment of a scoffer, the simple will become wise,
    and with the instruction of the wise, he will obtain knowledge.

³ The clever sees danger and hides,
    but the simple go on and suffer.