He 'profited by' his experience/mistake. [=he learned something useful from his experience/mistake]
The book can be read with 'profit' by anyone who wants to understand how the system works.
We sold the house 'at a profit'. [=we made a profit when we sold our house]
(..) at the factory Christmas party. Dorothy was in the other room with the other wives. it just happened. Yes, go on. Well, I made dollars profit selling a boat and motor. I didn't pay the taxes it is the same as stealing. Yes, fine. Lastly... (..)2008 Gran Torino