His social and economic standing prevented his gifts from being used. It is a disturbing truth that people will often prefer the rule of the fool to that of the wise, despite the fact that the fool's behavior only produces ruination and loss. History presents the clear record of the fool's success and man's singular unwillingness to heed the counsel of true wisdom. The foolhardiness of the ungodly steadfastly undermines the effort of wisdom to be heard. The Preacher mentions it here to show what a considerable difference it makes when men choose the one or the other.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
But the Preacher knows that the issue rests in the difference between God's righteous covenant and the behavior of sinful man. It is necessary to make plain to man that apart from God's covenant man does not build life, he can only destroy it. The simplest matters readily reveal just how incorrigible he is. Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is. Wisdom is constantly being robbed and made of no effect by the counter-actions of the fool.