May, 25, 2021 - Ecclesiastes 9:11-18

As a young parent, “Life’s not fair, you need to get used to it!” was a common phrase I would often say to my children when they complained or thought life was unjust. I was not trying to be mean or cynical but attempted to teach the fact that events happen beyond our control and we must accept unexpected outcomes.

Solomon is stating a similar position as he looks at the reality of life after reflecting on the certainty of death. He does not negate the previous truth that all activity is in God’s control, but he does indicate two factors that will limit our accomplishments. Those two factors are time and chance (v. 11). Solomon states that there are five areas of dominance that normally lead to success: being swift, strong, brilliant, gifted, and talented. The perplexity remains, we cannot know the potential deciding factors between victory and defeat or life and death.

The unpredicted issues turn the odds and makes the field level for all people to compete. Two factors (time and chance) give opportunity for success and victory to those less qualified. These unforeseen elements bring uncertainty to otherwise certain results. Solomon’s point was that the wise person perceived and calculated these components into their preparations.

He illustrates with the story of the poor wise man that is not considered when his city is attacked and he delivers them from superior forces. His wisdom saved the day but the foolishness of a ruler led to the city’s demise (v. 18).

Warren Wiersbe concludes this section of chapter nine by stating, “Since death is unavoidable and life is unpredictable, the only course we can safely take is to yield ourselves into the hands of God and walk by faith in His Word. We don’t live by explanations; we live by promises. We don’t depend on luck but on the providential working of our loving Father as we trust His promises and obey His will.” Rest in the promise that Hebrews 13:6 states, “… ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’”