I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill, but time and chance happens t

If thou have run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how can thou contend with horses? And though in a land of peace thou are secure, yet how will thou do in the pride of the Jordan?

So run

I therefore run this way, not as aimlessly. I fight this way, not as flaying air.

And I went up according to revelation, and I declared to them the good-news that I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of repute, lest somehow I might be running or ran in vain.

Ye were running well. Who hindered you, not to obey the truth?

Holding firm the word of life, for a boast by me in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.

I press forward toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.

Therefore we also, having so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, having put off every weight and cleverly entangling sin, let us run by perseverance the contest being set before us.

Blessed is a man who endures temptation, because, having become approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.

I come quickly, hold firm what thou have, so that none may take thy crown.