One of the reasons I am posting these is that it seems to me that the book of Job is overlooked; over the years, I have heard multiple messages on Job 1-2, and on Job 42, but seldom any messages that examine the great bulk of the chapters in between. Most people seem to dismiss these as all the same: that Job’s “friends” say that he must have done something wrong, and Job defending himself… for 39 chapters, so they are not studied very often. That’s why I am grateful to God that our church is going through the entire book and actually looking at the details of the discussions in those 39 “middle” chapters.

I think today’s quote is fairly well known. I think I’ve read it in secular works and I’ve probably heard it quoted by others:

Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. (Job 14:1)

This reminds of of James 4:14 (For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.)

These verses emphasize how brief human life is – not to discourage us, but to help us with perspective – eternity is so very much longer than our human life. It is so easy to get wrapped up in our human life; while it is not wrong to take care of our responsibilities in this life (in fact, is is noble and praiseworthy), we must not let these duties blot out the fact of eternity. Alternatively, some people are nearly overwhelmed with trouble – but allow this verse to encourage you: it won’t last; it is brief (in the light of eternity).

Most of these writings are aimed at those who have a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. A lesson from this verse is to check that we are doing our best to please Him in all that we do, say, and think. We won’t be happy long-term if we seek only to please ourselves – someone once said that we are our own worst taskmaster. Jesus said “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light“.

To those do not know Christ Jesus personally: God is gracious, and gives you (indeed all of us) good things in this life. But if you refuse Him, you will spend eternity without Him and without any of His goodness. No light, no pleasing things, no pleasing feelings… just you by yourself with nothing good.