This is part of a public message of God’s Wisdom (personified as a Lady; see 1:20-21) to the simple, mockers and fools (1:22). In our verse, she tells them all to do something and then makes them two promises.
Lady Wisdom tells all these folks to “repent at my rebuke.” Today would say it this way…Wisdom first called them out about their stuff (“my rebuke”) and then told them to tighten up (“repent” or literally “turn around”).
If they’ll receive her rebuke and directions, then Wisdom promises them something that will really help, something they don’t have in themselves — the benefit of “my thoughts” (literally “my spirit”) and “my teachings.”
The point is pretty clear. If our way of thinking and living doesn’t seem to be working – and we’re open to something different – She says she can help us.
We just have to know that the way we’re operating is not only ineffective, but it’s wrong — so turn around and go the other way!
Once we do, Wisdom will give us supernatural illumination and empowerment to be different people.
It’s the age-old message of the Bible – see myself as I really am; see what God can do for me; and decide to accept from Him what I can’t do for myself.
This is also the Biblical message of the first three of the 12-Steps: I Can’t; He Can; So Let Him.
It will work – if we’ll work it!