How We Can (Actually) Be Encouraged That "the Race Is Not to the Swift"

We all have either participated in or witnessed a race at some point in life. People strive with all their might to reach the finish line and be declared the winner.

Taking part in a race is a prevalent metaphor in the Bible, with some examples like Hebrews 12:1, 2 Timothy 4:7, and Isaiah 40:31 expressing the power and drive God gives us to run the race set before us.

Yet while the abovementioned verses are to encourage believers to run the race with perseverance, Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NKJV) shares with readers that “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong.”

What the author of this biblical passage is referencing here is that though we pursue the race of life believing we can get the upper hand, in the end death will still prevail.

However, there is still hope in the verse as we explore the context of this Scripture and why we can still run the race before us with assurance and encouragement, knowing that while our strength won’t win the race, God’s strength will.

What Is the Context of Ecclesiastes 9?

Many either know the book of Ecclesiastes because of Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season,” or else they know how the book ebbs and flows from optimistic to pessimistic, due to the wisdom and emotions of its writer, King Solomon.

Though there has been debate over the authorship, it is believed Solomon, the son of the great King David, wrote Ecclesiastes. He was considered a very wise leader by many, but he let poor judgement and pride rob him of the blessings God had given him, tarnishing the legacy he could have left.

However, what he discusses in Ecclesiastes continues to impact countless generations of believers even today. Among the topics discussed in Ecclesiastes are ambition, wealth, pleasure, religion, work, and wisdom, the last being the more recognized in chapter 9.

Chapter 8, leading into chapter 9, discusses the importance of obeying authority to honor God and that death comes to us all. Chapter 8 concludes by saying that though man will try to labor and use wisdom to know the work of God, he will never figure out God’s plan.

Chapter 9 continues this understanding with the following verse, Ecclesiastes 9:1: “For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God.”

As we approach Ecclesiastes 9:11, readers see that King Solomon advises them to use wisdom in understanding life; that life is fleeting so enjoy it as much as you can. They should love and be merry, knowing that the Lord has accepted the works they have given to Him (Eccl. 9:7).

Ecclesiastes 9:10 adds to this reminder that we must work with all our might for there is nothing, “no work or device or knowledge or wisdom,” we will take to the grave.

Why Is the Race Not to the Swift?

As Ecclesiastes 9:11 opens, King Solomon reflects on what he has noticed “under the sun” of life and man’s involvement with it. “The race is not to the swift” – with the word swift defined as “moving or capable of moving with great speed” – seems to state that the race of life is not meant to be won by the swift. This would seem contradictory to us, as most races are won by runners who are quick on their feet.

This sentiment of Ecclesiastes 9:11 is characterized more with the rest of the verse, stating that common rewards for certain types of characteristics (strength, wisdom, skill) aren’t always guaranteed to happen. One phrase – “nor the battle to the strong” – says that who we assume the victors of a battle will be, the strong, is not always accurate.

King Solomon reminds us here that when we assume certain outcomes will happen to those with specific skills or abilities, we put God out of the equation of what the future holds. We believe that our abilities and efforts will always triumph in every situation, thus removing the need for a relationship with God.

Yet King Solomon encourages us at the conclusion of Ecclesiastes to “fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” God will judge everything we do, good or bad, in the end (12:13-14).

It won’t matter to God how much you trained for the race or battle you are facing right now. Your efforts could be all for nothing if you don’t include Him as part of the preparation.

How Do the Words of Ecclesiastes 9:11 Impact Us Today?

So, in light of King Solomon’s honest but pessimistic words of wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes, how should we view the races and battles in our paths today?

As Solomon pointed out, we shouldn’t base our success on what we can humanly accomplish, because the course of life can change in an instant and what we relied on most to win may not be what will help us anymore.

For example, as a runner in a race, you will rely on your strength, speed, and stamina to help you win the race. But what if you sustain an injury? Now what you consider your ticket to winning has been drastically altered. The same for a battle – maybe the army you believed would help you win is dealing with an illness or injuries of some kind and is unable to fight. Who do you rely on then to win?

What King Solomon is encouraging us to realize is that our relationship with God is what we should rely on most, not our own efforts and works. The race or battle is not guaranteed in our favor, despite all the efforts and how adept we might be to succeed.

Our faith and trust in God are what will guarantee that no matter what situation we face, we will overcome and win!

So, as we prepare for whatever race or battle we have in life, we should prepare through studying God’s Word, meeting with Him in prayer, serving Him and others, and trusting that what we see now will be used by God for greater things.

Rely on God

In any kind of race, the objective is to be the fastest, strongest, smartest racer out there to win. However, when it’s the race of life, King Solomon reminds us in the book of Ecclesiastes that the race is not won by the racer most adept to win.

Throughout the book of Ecclesiastes, we are reminded that life is unpredictable, difficult, and is not a respecter of people. It doesn’t matter to life whether you have the most wisdom or are the strongest or have acquired the most money.

The only way to make sense of life is to realize God is our sustainer and provider, and His strength is what powers us to overcome the struggles of life.

The race is not won by those who are the fastest, just as the battle is not won by those who are the strongest. It is won by those who see that we must rely on God for the strength to finish the race. 

Photo credit: Unsplash/Jonathan Chng

Blair Parke is a freelance writer for BibleStudyTools.com and freelance book editor who wrote her first book, "Empty Hands Made Full," in 2021 about her journey through infertility with her husband. She previously worked for eight years with Xulon Press as an editor. A graduate of Stetson University with a bachelor's in communications, Blair previously worked as a writer/editor for several local magazines in the Central Florida area, including Celebration Independent and Lake Magazine and currently writes for the Southwest Orlando Bulletin. She's usually found with a book in her hand or enjoying quality time with her husband Jeremy and dog Molly. You can order her book at Christian Author Bookstore - Xulon Press Publishing and visit her website at Parkeplaceediting.