IN the former Chapter Solomon had observed this vanity, that it often befalleth the righteous according to the work of the wicked, and to the wicked according to the work of the righteous, verse 14. This vanity Solomon hath amplified in the latter end of the former Chapter, and in the former part of this Chapter by sundry arguments. Amongst other arguments he amplified it with this observation, that all events fall alike to all, to the good, and to the evil, clean and unclean, holy and profane. And least it should be said that godliness or holiness and uncleanness make no great difference in mens actions, but as Rabshakeh said, wisdom and strength are for the war, (Isai. 36.5.) so events fall out, as wisdom and strength, swiftness (or speed) skill (or knowledge) do direct them, Solomon here denieth that, and telleth us it is not in the power of the likelyest means to attain their ends, or to effect their work. And this he showeth us in five instances. 1. The Race is not to the swift. 2. The Battle is not to the strong. 3. Bread is not to the wise. 4. Riches are not to men of understanding. 5. Favour (either of Princes or people) is not to men of knowledge. And besides he proveth ⟨p. 208⟩it, First, By a reason or cause thereof in God, taken from the over-ruling power of the higher cause or Agent, Gods disposing of time and chance; for saith he, Time, or Chance, or Occurrence cometh to all these. The word translated Chance, here, is translated Occurrent (or occurrence) 1 Kings 5.8, 4. Secondly, By a reason or cause in man, his ignorance of his time: which is amplified by the calamity or misery following it, verse 12.
IN the former Chapter Solomon had observed this vanity, that it often befalleth the righteous according to the worke of the wicked, and to the wicked according to the worke of the righteous, verse 14. This vanity Solomon hath amplified in the latter end of the former Chapter, and in the former part of this Chapter by sundry arguments. Amongst other arguments he amplified it with this observation, that all events fall alike to all, to the good, and to the evil, cleane and uncleane, holy and prophane. And least it should be said that godlinesse or holinesse and uncleannesse make no great difference in mens actions, but as Rabshakeh said, wisdome and strength are for the warre, (Isai. 36.5.) so events fall out, as wisdome and strength, swiftnesse (or speed) skill (or knowledge) doe direct them, Solomon here denyeth that, and telleth us it is not in the power of the likelyest meanes to attaine their ends, or to effect their worke. And this he sheweth us in five instances. 1. The Race is not to the swift. 2. The Battel is not to the strong. 3. Bread is not to the wise. 4. Riches are not to men of understanding. 5. Favour (either of Princes or people) is not to men of knowledge. And besides he proveth ⟨p. 208⟩it, First, By a reason or cause thereof in God, taken from the over-ruling power of the higher cause or Agent, Gods disposing of time and chance; for saith he, Time, or Chance, or Occurrence commeth to all these. The word translated Chance, here, is translated Occurrent (or occurrence) 1 Kings 5.8, 4. Secondly, By a reason or cause in man, his ignorance of his time: which is amplified by the calamity or misery following it, verse 12.
