Daily Devotions
Ecclesiastes
"Time and chance happen to them all"
Text: Ecclesiastes 9:11
ASTUTE UNDERSTANDING
There is “common understanding and expectation”. But there is also astute understanding. Both have their place in life.
“I returned and saw under the sun that—
The race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong,
Nor bread to the wise,
Nor riches to men of understanding,
Nor favour to men of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all.”
Ecclesiastes 9:11
1. Common understanding and expectation
a) “The swift”
It is not wrong to suppose that they would win a competitive race.
b) “The strong”
One would expect that the strong would win a battle in normal circumstances.
c) “The wise”
It is certainly true that the wise would be able to earn his bread than the foolish.
d) “The men of understanding”
These could have good business acumen and may be expected to be more successful than most. That they may become wealthy would not surprise anyone.
e) “The men of skill”
Their talents would be readily recognized. That they would gain favour is highly likely.
2. It is not wrong to have “common understanding and expectation”
a) Solomon was not against this common understanding of life.
b) In all likelihood, common understanding would be the norm.
3. The postulation that “common understanding and expectation” can turn awry
a) This must not be totally unexpected.
b) Things can take an unexpected turn for the worse.
c) This phenomenon may be observed in history.
4. Things that can affect the natural outcome
The following may affect the course of “common understanding and expectation”:
a) Disease
b) War
c) Adversity
d) Unforeseen circumstances
5. “But time and chance happen to them all”
Solomon offered two things that could alter the course of things:
a) Time
b) Chance
These factors are outside of man’s control. The common and expected outcome may not take place. The unexpected happens!
6. Thus, his statements:
a) “The race is not to the swift”
The swift may not always win the race.
b) “Nor the battle to the strong”
The strong may not win the battle.
c) “Nor bread to the wise”
The wise may fail to earn his bread.
d) “Nor riches to men of understanding”
The men of understanding may not gain riches.
e) “Nor favour to men of skill”
The men of skill may fall into disfavour.
These are sobering thoughts indeed!