In verses 7-9, Solomon references the fifth command God that gave the Israelites. “Honor your father and mother, that you may have a long, good life in the land the Lord your God will give you.” (Ex. 20:12).
Solomon puts it this way. “Only fools refuse to be taught. Listen to your father and mother. What you learn from them will stand you in good stead: it will gain you many honors.” (v 8-9). Why did he write this? Because our parents went through all the same temptations we go through as young people, and they are aware of the dangers we may face. They have learned by their mistakes or the mistakes of others, and they want us to avoid those same mistakes.
Next, Solomon deals with temptations that may come our way from violent people. Today all we need to do is see what goes on in certain neighborhoods in major cities. Murder, robbery, and car theft are normal day-to-day things that go on in some neighborhoods. Because they do not trust or reverence God, they have no regard for human life. They may have been educated with teachings that told them they evolved from pond scum over long periods and when they die there is nothing on the other side. Their lives are hopeless; they have no reason for living other than to get all they can today. Many times their lives end in a violent death.
Finally, Solomon tries to tell them that after trusting the Lord, wisdom is available. “Wisdom shouts in the streets for a hearing. She calls out to the crowds along Main Street, and to the judges in their courts and to everyone in all the land:”
There will be times in our lives when we face disasters. We may think we are doing the right thing, but it all seems to go wrong. Wisdom says, “For you closed your eyes to the facts and did not choose to reverence and trust the Lord, and you turned on me, spurning my advice.” (v. 29-30).
Then Solomon, speaking for Wisdom, says, “But all who listen to me shall live in peace and safety, unafraid.” (v. 33).