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Translating the latter part of this passage thus, "And it is very certain that even the greatest is but man, and cannot contend with him who is mightier than he" (Cox), we have our attention directed to three things.

I. REAL HEROISM. This is found in opposing ourselves to the strong on behalf of the weak, even though the odds against us are very great, and apparently overwhelming. Wonderful triumphs have been achieved, even though the agents have "been but men," when they have courageously and devoutly addressed themselves to the work before them. They have triumphed over

(1) powerful "interests;"


(2) imperious passions;


(3) deep-rooted prejudices;


(4) mighty numbers, in the cause of

(a) their country,

(b) truth,

(c) Jesus Christ.

II. PITIFUL INFATUATION. This is seen in those who are foolish enough to measure their poor strength (or their weakness) with the power of God, with "him who is mightier than they." And this they do when they:

1. Act as if he did not regard them; when they say, "How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?" (Psalm 73:11).

2. Imagine they can outwit him; when they think they will sin and be forgiven; will corrupt their lives and waste their powers, and yet find entrance at the last hour into his kingdom. But "God is not mocked; whatsoever a man sows, that does he reap." Sin always carries its penalty at one time and in some form, if not in another.

3. Live in simple defiance of his rule; go on in conscious wrong-doing, in the vague and senseless hope that somehow they will "escape the judgment of God."

III. TRUE WISDOM. This is realized in:

1. Submitting to his will; in acknowledging his supreme claims, as Father and Savior of our spirit, upon our worship and trust, our love, our service, and in yielding ourselves unreservedly to him.

2. Enlisting his Divine strength on our side. For if we are reconciled to him, and become his true and trusted children - "his disciples indeed " - then is God on our side; there is no need to speak of "contending" with him that is mightier than we; there is no further contest or variance. Surely "God is with us," bestowing upon us his fatherly favor, admitting us to his intimate friendship, accepting us as his fellow-laborers (1 Corinthians 3:9), overruling all adverse (or apparently adverse) forces and making them work our true and lasting good (Romans 8:28), guarding us from every evil thing, leading us on to a peaceful end and out to a glorious future. - C.

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KJV: That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

WEB: Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he.