Solomon writes, “My son, be attentive to my wisdom; incline your ear to my understanding, that you may keep discretion, and your lips may guard knowledge.” Wisdom is not some passive thing that can be gained once then forgotten. It requires constant attention and maintenance, active participation.
Solomon warns about the “forbidden woman”, attractive to those who have stopped listening to wisdom. “Keep your way far from her… For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths.” Sin is so attractive, deceitful and dangerous, Solomon advises to avoid it, to keep away from situations that will lead to sin.
The Pharisees took this idea to extremes, attempting to avoid sin by avoiding sinners. But as Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” At various stages of life we are all lost, having wandered too far down that path leading away from God. Fortunately, Jesus was sent to save people just like us.