While the teacher has made his point clear that wisdom alone cannot save us, folly, the lack of wisdom, can harm us greatly. It is not the intellectual level that makes one foolish, but the lack of the fear of the Lord (Proverb 1:7).

Foolishness can determine a person's eternal destiny (2, Matt 25:33). Their earthly lives may also be ruined by their thoughtlessness (10,11), wicked words (12,13), and lack of direction (15). They may talk a lot because they think they know something without understanding the simple truth that no one can tell the future (14).

However, the most harm is done when the foolish are put in a leadership position (16). The king who lacks wisdom and does not guide the princes properly brings the kingdom into ruin (18, 1 Kings 16:33) as he depends on his worldly possessions (19) and puts the wrong people in ruling positions (6,7).


Application: Father, thank you for providing the lamp to my feet through your words. Please help me gain wisdom as I seek and fear you. Be with those who are in leadership positions to fear you and to have the wisdom to manage what you have given them.
One Word: Watch out for foolishness!