What does Proverbs 2:20 mean?

Verse 19 was extremely ominous, and for good reason. Those who fall into the seduction of sin are being led toward death. This is the inevitable, ultimate consequence of forsaking God. In contrast to that dire warning, verse 20 offers some measure of comfort. There is a way to avoid this fate, and the lessons of Proverbs are meant to help us in that very way.

Later on in Proverbs, Solomon will tell his children to train their children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). Here Solomon models that very approach for us. He has given all the warnings; he has outlined the training they should follow; and rather than following sin down to death, they should walk in the way of good men. Paul states it this way, "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love" (1 Corinthians 16:13–14). We are to live a virtuous life, one marked by righteousness. We should carry on the traits of wisdom, courage, justice, and integrity.