This entire chapter is Solomon’s message to his son (:1). It’s guy-talk about girls!
While dad’s focus is on staying away from immoral women, he begins by pointing out the importance of some other ladies in our lives.
In this verse Solomon once again refers to “wisdom” and “understanding” as feminine — so Lady Wisdom and Lady Understanding (“kinsman” would probably be better translated “female family member;” see also 4:5-7).
His advice is to keep these ladies close, like the family they are! They will help steer us away from all the heartache and mess-ups associated with the “adulteress” and “wayward wife” (:5).
Connecting “wisdom” and “understanding” is a common theme in Proverbs. The good news for us is that when we get hooked up with one, we’ll tend to get introduced to the other quite simply and quickly. They sort of come together — like bananas come in a bunch or grapes in a cluster.
When we are connected to wisdom (“seeing life from God’s point of view”) we will also have access to understanding (“realizing how right choices lead to a meaningful life”). Learning to practice one of these character qualities will just naturally bring the other quality into our lives, as well.
Wisdom and Understanding — a couple of great ladies to know! They’ll really help us keep thinking right and living appropriately.