The Race Is Not for the Swift

[11] “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 (NKJV)

If material possessions were what Solomon needed, he had everything. The Bible vividly says that he is the richest man who has ever lived. But he had some downfalls, and much of what was written in the book of Ecclesiastes captured those difficult moments. Today, I want to speak about one of such Bible verses, which I believe is very important to this generation.

In Ecclesiastes 9:11, Solomon said after a thoughtful observation that the race is not for the swift. Wait, what race is he talking about? Is it the race for money and worldly possessions? No! It’s the race of life. It is not for the swift. In other words, doing life isn’t for those who get things fast, especially when money is present. If it’s not for the swift, what then is it for? Time and chance happen to them all. That means a lot.

How God has designed your life will not follow any preconceived order the world has projected. In other words, there are so many irregularities in each person’s life that nobody can decipher their ways that easily. Some people live for a few years and die, while others live for many years. Some graduates get jobs immediately after university; others stay home for a while before entering the job market. Your old-time classmate you finished high school with can get married at a younger age, and yours might be five years later.

With all this said, there is no reason to compare your life to others. Instead, look at what God has for you and follow His plan for your life. Don’t say, I started life with that person, and he has this and that, but I have nothing. No! You are not that person’s photocopy. Believe God for your journey of faith!

You are a blessing.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for keeping my head straightforward in my race of faith. May I continue to follow You ardently and not compare my life to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Devotional Code: KGD – 2026 – 172