The Battle Is Not To The Warriors

Last Sunday evening I taught through chapter 9 in Ecclesiastes.  

Take a look at verse 11;  

"I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all." 

Here Solomon list five ironies.  The swiftest might not win the race.  The strongest might not win the battle.  The wise may not be able to earn a living.  The smartest may not be wealthy.  Those who are best skilled might not be favored by men.

These constitute unexpected outcomes and they all contribute to life’s unpredictability and serve to constantly remind us that God is in control.  Men can plan, train, learn, equip, and prepare but it is God alone who provides all those things that people value; wisdom, victory, food, wealth, favor, influence, and success.  

  

Later in verses 13-15 Solomon uses a short illustration to make the point.  There was a small city with only a few people living and working together and enjoying their blessings under the Sun. Suddenly they were surrounded by the army of a powerful king. And in that small community was a poor wise man.   

This really doesn’t look very good for that city.  Apparently their only best resource was a poor wise man and they were facing a mighty king with a large army.  But the man had wisdom and wisdom saved the city.

And then today I found this amazing video clip.

"The battle is not to the warriors..."

God is sovereign and in control.