What does Proverbs 2:17 mean?

Verse 16 used the metaphor of a strange, "forbidden," seducing woman to show the dangers of sin. This verse outlines what sin causes to happen in our lives. The adulteress leaves her rightful companion, when instead she ought to be righteous (Leviticus 20:26), and forgets the covenant of God (1 Peter 1:16). Sin is not only enticing to begin with, it is compounding. Once we begin to sin, it gets into our thought life and begins to cause us to doubt. Then, we start to justify our sin, claiming it is acceptable. This is why the Apostle Paul warns us not to give Satan a foothold (Ephesians 4:27).

Solomon tells us of the destruction awaiting us if we allow sin to enter into our lives. We will slowly forget the promises of God. Many Christians today wonder how Israel, God's chosen people, could time and again fall away from the Lord after they had seen His wondrous miracles of deliverance. This verse summarizes the answer: sin entered into the camp of the Israelites, and they forgot their Deliverer (Psalm 106:21).