Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. (12) For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. (13) Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? (14) In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. (15) All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
If I mistake not, the Preacher is stating, in what is here said, the difference of security which men find in their different objects of defense. Carnal men make riches their defense. The gracious soul takes wisdom, that is Jesus, for his. And Solomon then demands that the subject be considered. He then puts a close question: Who can make that strait which God hath made crooked? In other words, who would put confidence in that which must deceive: for riches make to themselves wings and flee away. Proverbs 23:5. Reader! in what is your confidence?