What does Proverbs 8:4 mean?

In Proverbs 7 we read about the adulteress who searched for someone who would heed her invitation to do evil. Here, we read that wisdom calls to mankind. The prior verses in this chapter served as an introduction to wisdom, emphasizing how she actively seeks to reach humanity (Proverbs 8:1–3).

This begins a lengthy soliloquy by wisdom in which she invites mankind to heed her call. This invitation previews Jesus' call to mankind to believe on him. He extended his call to everyone by saying, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). Near the close of His earthly ministry, Jesus wept outside Jerusalem and said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" (Matthew 23:37). The Bible closes with a similar invitation: "The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price" (Revelation 22:17).