Topical Bible: Man: Has But Few Days

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The brevity of human life is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the transient nature of earthly existence and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. This concept is poignantly captured in the book of Job, where Job laments the fleeting nature of human life: "Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble" (Job 14:1). This verse underscores the brevity and challenges of life, highlighting the inevitability of suffering and the limited time available to each person.

The Psalms also reflect on the shortness of human life. In Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, the psalmist prays, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). This plea for wisdom in light of life's brevity suggests that understanding the limited nature of our days can lead to a more meaningful and purposeful life. The psalmist further observes, "The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away" (Psalm 90:10). This passage reflects on the typical lifespan of a human being, acknowledging both the toil of life and its swift passage.

The New Testament continues this theme, with James reminding believers of the uncertainty and brevity of life: "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14). This metaphor of life as a mist or vapor captures the ephemeral nature of human existence, urging believers to live with humility and dependence on God's will.

The brevity of life is not only a reminder of human mortality but also a call to focus on eternal values. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches about the futility of earthly worries and the importance of seeking God's kingdom: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). This directive encourages believers to prioritize spiritual pursuits over temporal concerns, recognizing that life is short and eternity is long.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letters, urging believers to make the most of their time. In Ephesians, he writes, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16). This exhortation to live wisely and purposefully is rooted in the understanding that life is fleeting and opportunities to serve God and others are limited.

Throughout Scripture, the brevity of human life serves as a powerful reminder of the need for a relationship with God and a focus on eternal truths. The acknowledgment that man's days are few calls believers to live with intentionality, seeking wisdom and aligning their lives with God's purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 14:1
Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

An Address to the Man who is Down
... begin to lead a new life, you will succeed; but, if you ... by day, just as the old body
of temptation has been built ... If any man here knows any other man who is in ...
/.../stones rolled away and other addresses to young men/ii an address to the.htm

Sermon at the Fourth Annual Convention of the Brotherhood of St. ...
... a southern man, and my heart goes out in love for the man who has ... He has a gift for
you. ... I knew about the Holy Communion, but I thought it was for saints"men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whipple/five sermons/v sermon at the fourth.htm

God's Love Even for Sinners
... you women, if she has ten silver coins but has lost one ... Jesus said, "There was a
man who had two sons ... A few days later, the younger son got together all that he ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/gods love even for sinners.htm

Conclusion
... there all the elements of culture; man has already invented a system of writing,
and has made some ... shape less than sixty years ago; but between the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vii conclusion.htm

An Appeal to the Outsider; Or, the Claims of Christianity
... It is not true in fact, and it is not true in theory. It has, doubtless, more concern
for a man's temperament and body than his creed; but if there is ...
/.../stones rolled away and other addresses to young men/iv an appeal to the.htm

I Knew How it Would Be.
... I predicted, from the beginning, the very result that has come out.". ... And saying
this, the man turned abruptly away, leaving Mr. Hueston so much ... But, alas! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/i knew how it would.htm

Introduction.
... But now what benefit can we any way derive from hearing a man confess, that he has
eased himself of the burden of religion; that he believes no God ...
/.../introduction.htm

The Objects of Faith and Hope Perceived by the Mind Alone.
... An ignorant man has sought, and having sought, he finds the ... For the multitude has
not an intelligent, or wise ... "But it is strongly incumbent to disbelieve the ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iii the objects of faith.htm

A Man Reaps More than He Sows.
... If a man could do his reaping alone, it would not be so hard; but it is terrible
when he has to make that godly father, and that mother who loves him, or ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter v a man reaps.htm

External Foes.
... flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that ... Spirit the things of the Spirit."
When Christ has the first ... When a man will drive like Jehu all the week ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part iii external foes.htm