Ecclesiastes 9:11 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

I returned and saw This may have some respect to the foregoing verse: for having urged men to labour with all their might, he now adds, by way of caution, that yet they must not be confident of their own strength, as if they were sure of success by it, but must look up to God for his blessing, without which all their endeavours would be in vain. But it seems chiefly to be added, either, as another instance of the liberty and power of God's providence, in the disposing of human affairs, of which he spake Ecclesiastes 9:1-2; or as another of the vanities of this present life; that the race is not to the swift Either ability to run, or success and victory in running; nor the battle to the strong The victory in battle; nor riches to men of understanding Who yet are most likely to get and keep riches; nor yet favour Acceptance and love from men; to men of skill Who know how to conduct themselves and all affairs, and therefore are most likely to find favour, at least, in the eyes of such as need their services; but time and chance happeneth to them all There are times or seasons, casual to men, but known by God, in which alone he will give men success.