Folly targets people who are just going about their lives, hoping to lure them off track without them even noticing. The verse describes folly calling out to those who pass by, minding their own business. The Hebrew word for 'pass' is avar, meaning to cross over or go along—these aren’t reckless people, just ordinary folks on their way somewhere.

This is a pushback against the idea that only the naive or irresponsible fall for bad choices. Proverbs says anyone can get caught if they’re not paying attention, because folly is actively looking for opportunities to distract and mislead.

If you’ve ever found yourself making a poor decision almost by accident—just because you weren’t thinking or were in a hurry—this verse explains why. Folly doesn’t wait for you to come looking; it comes looking for you. Staying alert, even in routine moments, is part of what keeps you on track.