What does Proverbs 5:8 mean?

In this verse Solomon advises his sons to stay far away from the seductress. He warns them not to go near the door of her house. This follows earlier references to a woman who uses flattery and enticement to tempt a man into adultery (Proverbs 5:3–6). Of course, the same principles apply whether either party is male or female.

Sometimes the best defense against temptation is to get away from it. The apostle Paul advised young Timothy to flee sin (1 Timothy 6:11). When Joseph was Potiphar's servant in Egypt, Potiphar's wife tried to seduce Joseph. Genesis 39:7 states, "After a time [Potiphar's] wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, 'Lie with me.'" She repeated this temptation day after day (Genesis 39:10), but Joseph refused to yield to her temptation, because he would not sin against God. When she grabbed him by his garment, he fled and got out of the house (Genesis 39:12).

Avoiding sources of temptation is sound advice for everyone. Those with unfortunate experiences often take this very seriously. Alcoholics are counselled to entirely avoid drinking and stay away from bars. Gambling addicts know even "innocent" bets can start a downward spiral. People who sincerely guard their lives recognizes that all people are fundamentally flawed, so they stay away from anything that might draw them into sin.