Ecc 9:11 Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.
All that is outlaid in this text involves work, energy exerted. Where we must employ energy, the results are uncertain and beyond our control. Victory does not always occur to mighty men or heroes. As David, himself proves by his statement, 1Sa 17:47 “The Lord saves not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s”. He suggests that we should not depend upon or promise ourselves anything from our own strength and wisdom, for “The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. 17 The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue” (Psa 33:16-17).
We should regard God who by providence often times does things in unconventional ways because it brings Him more glory. God is more concerned about making Himself strong on behalf of His children. Therefore, let us do our best but let us not have confidence in our best.