What does Proverbs 7:5 mean?

Solomon credits wisdom and insight (Proverbs 7:4) with demonstrating their value in avoiding temptation, and the consequences which come with it. This forms an interesting contrast to the prior statement. There, wisdom was portrayed as a woman, specifically a sister, or as a close friend. Here, sin and temptation—as well as literal sexual sin—are mentioned in the form of a tempting adulteress.

A sister and a close friend would counsel a young man to stay clear of a tempting situation that might lead to an adulterous affair. And like them, wisdom and insight persuade whoever possesses those qualities to avoid the evil woman and the seductive adulteress. Letting one's lust lead him into adultery is foolish, and it results in personal calamity. An adulterer loses self-respect and others' respect. Adultery results in many personal wounds and possibly disease and death.

Giving God's Word a good reception enables us to see the folly of sin and therefore set up a good defense against falling victim to temptation. Psalm 119:9–11 states, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word…I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."