What does Proverbs 9:5 mean?

Earlier passages depicted Wisdom as a woman calling out for others to hear her words (Proverbs 8:1–4). In this chapter, she is imaged as a wealthy, generous host who has made extensive preparations (Proverbs 9:1–3). That includes Wisdom sending out an invitation to those who are senseless and gullible (Proverbs 9:4). Her motive for this is their own benefit: by honoring godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10), they can avoid ignorance and hardship (Proverbs 9:6).

This provides a stark contrast to Wisdom's mirror image, Folly, who will also invite foolish people. But Folly calls out in search of victims she can destroy (Proverbs 9:13–18).

As the source of all wisdom (Proverbs 8:22), God summons, "Come everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price… Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food" (Isaiah 55:1–2). When Jesus converted water to wine at the wedding in Cana, the master of the wedding feast remarked to the bridegroom: "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now" (John 2:10). And when Jesus fed thousands, they were all satisfied (Matthew 14:20). Similarly, Jesus supplies spiritual food that is both good and satisfying (John 6:27).