What does Proverbs 9:4 mean?

Wisdom, in the symbolic form of a wealthy woman (Proverbs 9:1–3), invites the gullible and senseless to come into her home (Proverbs 8:1–4). Scripture does not assume that people must be wise and discerning before they come to God. In fact, the Bible notes that true wisdom starts with submission to God (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). Those who seek God can improve their knowledge and ability to live according to truth (Proverbs 8:5).

Before trusting in Jesus as Savior, many whom Jesus invited were gullible and lacked good sense. Broadly speaking, those who do not know Christ are more susceptible to the Devil and his lies (1 Corinthians 2:14). The apostle Paul recalls that sad situation in his letter to the Ephesians. He writes, "you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience" (Ephesians 2:1–2).

Writing to the Corinthians, Paul likewise stated, "For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God" (1 Corinthians 1:26–29).