Just as Paul would elaborate later upon, Solomon viewed life as somewhat of a journey along a linear path. For Paul, this was a race to the finish that would end with death and resurrection. Since Solomon had no concept of resurrection, it was a walking path of pilgrimage. The purpose of life is to pass through a perilous journey in the hopes that upon reaching the end, as we all do in death, that we come out unscathed and thriving. Whereas Paul describes the difficulties on this path as stumbling, Solomon describes them as distractions. Earlier he described the promiscuous women who calls men to destruction. Here he describes wicked people who seek harm at all hours. His advice is avoidance. Post the 1980’s D.A.R.E. Campaign, the idea of “just say no!” May seem a tad silly. Yet, there is something powerful about knowing when to engage or not and understanding your power of refusal. Here Solomon notes that this power to say “No!” Should be first practiced upon oneself. A wise man doesn’t even stop to say “No.” He simply keeps moving forward toward his goal. Too many Christians place themselves in harm’s way by stopping, or romanticizing the right to refuse. But a wise man should be discerning enough to say “No!” To himself first.