Topical Bible: Man: Not Profited by all his Labour and Travail

◄ Man: Not Profited by all his Labour and Travail ►

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The theme of man's labor and the seeming futility of his efforts is a recurring motif in the Bible, particularly in the wisdom literature. This concept is explored with depth and poignancy, reflecting on the human condition and the limitations of earthly endeavors.

Ecclesiastes and the Vanity of Labor

The Book of Ecclesiastes provides a profound exploration of the futility of human labor. The Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflects on the endless cycle of toil and the lack of ultimate profit from human endeavors. Ecclesiastes 1:3 poses the rhetorical question: "What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun?" This question sets the stage for a broader discourse on the transient nature of worldly achievements.

Ecclesiastes 2:11 further elaborates: "Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was no profit under the sun." Here, the Preacher acknowledges the exhaustive efforts and accomplishments, yet concludes that they are ultimately meaningless without a divine perspective.

The Temporal Nature of Earthly Gains

The Bible consistently emphasizes the temporal nature of earthly gains. In Matthew 6:19-20 , Jesus instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." This teaching underscores the impermanence of material wealth and the importance of focusing on eternal values.

The Burden of Labor

Genesis 3:17-19 recounts the curse placed upon Adam after the Fall, which includes the toil and hardship associated with labor: "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it will yield for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it were you taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return." This passage highlights the burdensome nature of labor as a consequence of sin, reinforcing the idea that human efforts are marred by the Fall.

The Search for Meaning Beyond Labor

Despite the apparent futility of labor, the Bible offers a perspective that transcends earthly toil. In Ecclesiastes 12:13 , the Preacher concludes, "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." This statement points to a higher purpose beyond mere labor, suggesting that true fulfillment is found in a relationship with God and obedience to His will.

The New Testament Perspective

The New Testament reiterates the theme of labor's limited value without a spiritual foundation. In 1 Corinthians 15:58 , Paul encourages believers: "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." This verse contrasts earthly labor with work done for the Lord, which carries eternal significance.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a nuanced view of human labor, acknowledging its necessity and the burdens it entails while pointing to the ultimate futility of efforts disconnected from God. Through the lens of Scripture, believers are encouraged to seek meaning and purpose beyond the temporal, anchoring their lives in the eternal truths of God's kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 2:22
For what has man of all his labor, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he has labored under the sun?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 6:12
For who knows what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spends as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Last Words.
... Sometimes they were surprised at this insight, always they profited by it. ... But all
this will not deeply affect a healthy-minded man, who recognises that ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xv last words.htm

Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly.
... things which I have said, I have not spoken in ... relics of martyrs, and vending any
dead man's bones for ... none better than those who had profited in monasteries ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 of vows the.htm

The Fourth Commandment
... Hast thou profited by it?' How can we give a good ... have been distracted in hearing,
and have not taken notice ... Were we to give account to man, we might falsify ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 4 the fourth commandment.htm

Psalm LXXXVI.
... the Judgment they shall see the same Lord Jesus Christ as Man, together with ... humbly
to God, and now say, What hath my pride profited me ... Would ye not be consoled ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxvi.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... the way that best pleased God, most profited them, and ... poured forth successively:
'Tis evident that this man of sin ... He would not die at all, as is manifest by ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... is no less guilty than he who slays a man: you must ... if you say that you have no sin,
not even the ... and if, although all apostles and prophets and all the saints ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... child from its mother, and the old man who walketh on his way; full of fear, all
creatures make supplication before him, but he turneth not his face towards ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... man, yet that lad may be ruined many ways; that is, if his master be not
circumspect in all things that respect both God and man, and that ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... saw the man draw his sword, and put an helmet upon his head, and ... armed men, who laid
upon him with deadly force: but the man, not at all discouraged, fell ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

part ii
... For what is a man profited, if he ... Wherever a man goes, he always comes back home
afterwards ... in society, whatever he does, he must remember that he is not at home ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm