What does Proverbs 22:14 mean?

A common form of trap in the ancient world was the pit: a disguised hole used to capture or injure prey. Earlier in the book of Proverbs, "the forbidden woman" was used as a personification of temptation (Proverbs 2:16; 7:4–10). Sin seems attractive and welcoming, but what it draws us to is not what God intends for us. In fact, the result of following temptation is death and ruin (Proverbs 8:34–36). Moving towards sinful urges is as dangerous as walking unaware towards a deep trap.

The comparison used here echoes the anger God expresses at sin as a type of spiritual adultery. After committing physical adultery with Bathsheba, King David felt the disastrous effects of his sin. He suffered mental, spiritual, and physical anguish. Until he confessed his sin and received forgiveness, his bones wasted away, he groaned all day long. He felt God's hand was heavy upon him, and his strength was dried up (Psalm 32:3–4). Further, the joy of salvation had left him (Psalm 51:12). Even after receiving God's forgiveness, David experienced all the natural, negative consequences of his adulterous act. He lost the baby that was born to him and Bathsheba, and his son Absalom rebelled against him and tried to seize the throne. Adultery pays bitter wages; what seemed desirable turns out to be poisonous.