Ecclesiastes 9:11

I thought about other things that happen here on earth. Races are not always won by the fastest runner. Battles are not always decided by the strongest warrior. Also, the wise do not always have food, intelligent people do not always make money, and those who are clever do not always win favor. Time and chance affect all of them.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.

In Context

10Whatever you do, do it with all your strength, for when you go to the grave there's no more working or thinking, no more knowing or being wise.

12You can't predict when your end will come. Just like fish caught in a net, or birds caught in a trap, so people are suddenly caught by death when they least expect it.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 9

Cross References

1 Samuel 2:3Don't speak so conceitedly! Don't talk so arrogantly! For the Lord is a God who knows everything—doesn't he judge what you do?

2 Samuel 2:18The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was a fast runner, like a gazelle racing across the open countryside.

2 Samuel 17:23When Ahithophel realized that his advice had been ignored, he saddled up his donkey and left for his home in the town where he lived. He put his affairs in order and then he hanged himself. He died and was buried in his father's tomb.

Job 5:11He exalts the humble, and rescues those who mourn.

Psalms 33:16Even the greatest army cannot save a king; the greatest strength cannot save a warrior.

Psalms 147:10The Lord doesn't appreciate the strength of war-horses or value human power.

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 9:5-11

The Consequences of Death; The Proper Enjoyment of Life. 4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Ecclesiastes 9:11