²⁰ Wisdom is like a good woman who shouts in the street.
    She raises her voice in the city squares.
²¹ She cries out in the noisy street.
    She makes her speech at the city gates:
²² “You foolish people! How long do you want to stay foolish?
    How long will you make fun of wisdom?
    How long will you hate knowledge?
²³ Listen when I correct you.
    I will tell you what’s in my heart.
    I will tell you what I am thinking.
²⁴ I called, but you refused to listen.
    I held out my hand, but you paid no attention.
²⁵ You did not follow my advice.
    You did not want me to correct you.
²⁶ So I will laugh when you are in trouble.
    I will make fun when disaster happens to you.
²⁷ Disaster will come over you like a storm.
    Trouble will strike you like a whirlwind.
    Pain and trouble will overwhelm you.

5 My son, pay attention to my wisdom.
    Listen to my words of understanding.
² Be careful to use good sense.
    Watch what you say.

²⁰ My son, keep your father’s commands.
    Don’t forget your mother’s teaching.
²¹ Remember their words forever.
    Let it be as if they were tied around your neck.
²² They will guide you when you walk.
    They will guard you while you sleep.
    They will speak to you when you are awake.
²³ Their commands are like a lamp.
    Their teaching is like a light.
And the correction that comes from them
    helps you have life.

7 My son, remember what I say.
    Treasure my commands.
² Obey my commands, and you will live.
    Protect my teachings as you would your own eyes.