This verse is part of Solomon’s recounting to his son what his father, David, said to him. It involves a focused commitment to wisdom.
Here, as throughout Proverbs, David spoke of wisdom as a woman – Lady Wisdom. Dad teaches his son to appreciate wisdom – “love her” and “do not forsake her” – like you would a good woman and she will always be there for you.
This is solid relationship advice for anyone. To “not forsake” and to “love” another who greatly matters to us will set us up for their help and support in return. Of course, people being who we are, we can’t always count on them to be there to “protect” and “watch over” us. But God’s wisdom will never fail us!
So, there is no better place to direct our focused love and commitment. And in doing so, we will be better equipped for our commitments to those about whom we care.