Topical Bible: Man: Has Sought out Many Inventions

◄ Man: Has Sought out Many Inventions ►

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The phrase "man has sought out many inventions" is derived from Ecclesiastes 7:29, which states, "Only this have I found: I have discovered that God made men upright, but they have sought out many schemes." This verse encapsulates the biblical perspective on human ingenuity and the propensity for moral deviation. It highlights the contrast between God's original design for humanity and the paths humans have chosen to pursue.

Creation and Original Uprightness

According to the biblical narrative, God created man in His own image, as described in Genesis 1:27: "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This original state of humanity was one of uprightness and moral integrity. Man was endowed with the capacity for creativity, reason, and the ability to make choices, reflecting the divine nature.

The Fall and Human Deviation

The fall of man, as recounted in Genesis 3, marks the beginning of humanity's departure from God's intended path. The serpent's temptation and Adam and Eve's subsequent disobedience introduced sin into the world, altering the course of human history. This event set the stage for the myriad of "inventions" or "schemes" that humans would pursue, often in opposition to God's will.

Inventions and Schemes

The term "inventions" in Ecclesiastes 7:29 can be understood as the various plans, devices, and pursuits that humans have devised throughout history. These inventions are not limited to technological advancements but encompass a wide range of human activities, including philosophical, religious, and moral innovations. While human creativity is a reflection of the divine image, it is often marred by sin, leading to pursuits that deviate from God's righteous standards.

Biblical Examples of Human Schemes

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals and societies seeking out their own inventions, often with negative consequences. The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) serves as a prime example of humanity's attempt to assert independence from God, resulting in confusion and dispersion. Similarly, the Israelites' repeated turning to idolatry and false gods illustrates the tendency to devise religious schemes contrary to God's commandments (Exodus 32; 1 Kings 12:28-30).

The Role of Wisdom and Discernment

The Bible consistently calls for wisdom and discernment in navigating the complexities of human inventions. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This exhortation underscores the importance of seeking divine guidance rather than relying solely on human ingenuity.

Redemption and Restoration

Despite humanity's propensity for seeking out many inventions, the Bible offers a message of hope and redemption. Through Jesus Christ, believers are called to a renewed relationship with God, empowered to live according to His purposes. Ephesians 2:10 affirms, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." This verse highlights the potential for human creativity to be aligned with God's will, resulting in works that glorify Him.

In summary, while man has sought out many inventions, the biblical narrative emphasizes the need for alignment with God's original design and the pursuit of righteousness through faith and obedience.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 7:29
See, this only have I found, that God has made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Christian Man
... genius?" So we look upon a man who has been marred ... only have I found, that God hath
made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions." Trace back ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study iii the christian man.htm

Adam's Sin
... till he had invented his own and our death; he sought out many inventions.1. His ...
(3.) Man being in ... righteous, how unable are we to stand when sin has cut the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 adams sin.htm

Refutation of Dualism from Reason. Impossibility of Two Gods. The ...
... she has sought corruptible things and darkness, as the Spirit says somewhere in
writing, "God made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions [115 ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 7 refutation of dualism.htm

Sin Charged Upon the Surety
... Thus it is with man. His wandering is rebellious. God made him upright , but he
has sought out to himself many inventions (Ecclesiastes 7:29) God has appointed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xx sin charged upon.htm

But Whilst the King Has not that Most Blessed Light...
... Has He, who stamped His own perfection on all His works ... this only have I found, that
God hath made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions.". ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter vii but whilst the.htm

The Unchangeable Christ
... Many, not seeing that the manifestation of an incarnate God was the answer to all ...
that, amid all the inventions which man has sought out, while every new ...
/.../all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxxi the unchangeable christ.htm

Essay
... be fully satisfied, that God made man upright: but they have sought out many inventions. ...
nature leads us to two reflections: First, man, who has been made ...
/.../an essay on the mosaic account of the creation and fall of man/essay.htm

The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... God the Holy Ghost, because the Father has sought us out ... Why has he not chosen to
be worshipped by particular ... my God with all these inventions of man, ye dream ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/the axe at the roota.htm

The Arguments Usually Alleged in Support of Free Will Refuted.
... Assuredly I have no intention to contradict Solomon, who asserts that "God has made
man upright;" that "they have sought out many inventions," (Eccl.7:29). ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the arguments usually.htm

Through the Fall and Revolt of Adam, the Whole Human Race Made ...
... It is true that nature has received a mortal wound, but ... only have I found, that God
made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions," (Eccl.7:29 ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 through the fall.htm