Ecclesiastes Part 20

As Solomon continues his examination of life under the sun, he turns from the certainty of death to another reality that often puzzles human beings: the unpredictability of life itself. People naturally assume that talent, intelligence, strength, or wisdom will always produce success. Yet experience teaches otherwise. Solomon observes that many outcomes in life do not follow the patterns we expect.

"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 favor to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all" (Ecclesiastes 9:11).

This verse does not deny the value of strength, wisdom, or skill. Throughout Ecclesiastes and Proverbs, Solomon consistently praises wisdom. Rather, he is acknowledging that human abilities alone cannot guarantee outcomes.

The fastest runner may stumble. The strongest army may lose. The most skilled worker may encounter circumstances beyond his control. The wisest planner may face events he never anticipated.

The phrase "time and chance" does not mean that God has surrendered control of His creation. Solomon has already stated that the righteous and their works are in God's hand (Ecclesiastes 9:1). Instead, from the human perspective, many events appear unexpected and unpredictable. Circumstances arise that no amount of planning could fully foresee.

This observation reminds us of the limitations of human control. Modern society often promotes the idea that success can be engineered if one simply works hard enough or plans carefully enough. While diligence is important, Solomon reminds us that human beings remain dependent upon God's providence.

James later expressed a similar principle: 

"Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that'" (James 4:15).

Solomon expands this thought:

 “For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, like birds caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly upon them" (Ecclesiastes 9:12).

Human beings rarely know when significant events will occur. Accidents, illnesses, economic reversals, natural disasters, and unexpected opportunities often arrive without warning.

The imagery of fish caught in a net and birds trapped in a snare emphasizes suddenness. People frequently assume tomorrow will be much like today. Yet life can change in a moment.

This reality should not produce fear. Rather, it should encourage humility and spiritual readiness. Since we do not control the future, wisdom requires that we remain close to God today.

Solomon then provides an illustration that demonstrates the remarkable power of wisdom. 

"There was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it" (Ecclesiastes 9:14). 

The situation appears hopeless. A small city faces an overwhelming military threat. Humanly speaking, strength and numbers favor the attacking king.

Yet Solomon continues, 

"Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man" (Ecclesiastes 9:15).

The contrast is striking. A poor man possesses no army, wealth, or political influence. Yet wisdom accomplishes what force could not. This account reinforces a recurring biblical lesson: wisdom often possesses greater power than physical strength.

"Then I said: 'Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless, the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard'" (Ecclesiastes 9:16).

Solomon recognizes both the value and the frustration of wisdom. Wisdom may save a city, yet the wise person may receive little recognition. Human societies frequently honor wealth, power, and status while overlooking wisdom.

This observation reflects a larger spiritual reality. God often works through humble people rather than the influential: 

"God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise" (1 Corinthians 1:27). 

True wisdom does not depend on social standing.

Solomon continues, 

"Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard rather than the shout of a ruler of fools" (Ecclesiastes 9:17). 

Wisdom rarely announces itself with noise and spectacle. It often speaks calmly and thoughtfully. Foolish leadership, by contrast, frequently relies upon volume, emotion, and force.

The principle applies broadly. Truth does not become true because it is shouted. Wisdom often requires careful listening. In some cultures, the older and wise speak softly, and it is respectful to be quiet and listen intently.  

"Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good" (Ecclesiastes 9:18). 

This verse forms the bridge into chapter 10. Wisdom can accomplish tremendous good, but foolishness can destroy it quickly.

A single sinful act can damage relationships, organizations, congregations, or nations. Years of faithful labor can be harmed by one reckless decision. Solomon illustrates this danger vividly.

"Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor" (Ecclesiastes 10:1).

Perfume required great effort and expense to produce. Yet a few dead insects could spoil the entire batch. Likewise, a person known for wisdom and integrity may suffer significant damage from a single act of foolishness. Solomon is not teaching that one mistake erases a lifetime of faithfulness, but he is emphasizing how fragile reputation can be.

"A wise man's heart is at his right hand, but a fool's heart at his left" (Ecclesiastes 10:2). 

In biblical symbolism, the right hand often represents strength, favor, and proper action. The point is not physical direction but moral orientation. Wisdom directs a person's life toward right choices, while folly directs a person toward harmful choices.

The heart in Scripture represents the inner mind, motives, and values. External actions begin with internal thinking.

Finally, Solomon observes, 

"Even when a fool walks along the way, he lacks wisdom, and he shows everyone that he is a fool" (Ecclesiastes 10:3). 

Foolishness eventually reveals itself. A person may conceal it for a time, but repeated words, attitudes, and actions expose what lies within.

The section as a whole teaches a balanced lesson. Human success is never guaranteed by ability alone because life contains uncertainties beyond our control. Wisdom remains far superior to strength, yet wisdom is often overlooked. At the same time, even small acts of folly can undermine much good.

For God's people, the answer is neither self-confidence nor cynicism. It is humble dependence upon God, consistent pursuit of wisdom, and diligent guarding of character. We cannot control every circumstance, but we can seek God's wisdom and faithfully walk before Him regardless of what time and chance may bring.

Wisdom Literature is a course taught at ABC by Dr. Urwiller. Recordings from the 2018–2019 class year are available to listen to on the ABC website.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.