Wisdom Brings Success

The summary statement of these 6 verses is that "wisdom brings success". These verses are applicable first of all to those who rule; to those who are in authority. But they can also be applied to all who are engaged in any practical task where they themselves or others around them might be hurt by mistakes which they make. Wisdom is needed in order to bring success to the task. So, conversely, we can also reasonably conclude that allowing evil or error into our thinking will bring failure and trouble into our lives. And these errors may defeat or delay the completion of our task, or they may prevent the success of the very tasks and projects that we wish to accomplish. There are here, in verses 5-9, three examples of errors made by those who are engaged in very practical occupations. And then follows a piece of wise advice given as a conclusion by Solomon, to those who would practically cut off these kinds of errors.
The 1st example of error which is mentioned is that of folly being set in great dignity. The 2nd example of error is that of a man who is digging a pit and he falls into it. The 3rd example or error is of a person who is quarrying stones, or splitting wood; his being in danger of being hurt by his own carelessness. The concluding application which is given is that whether it is the ruler or the common laborer, they must pay particular attention to themselves and to the way that they think and work in order to succeed in the task that they are doing. I will make that application at the end of the message.