Job 14 | MHCC | e4.org | 1-6 Job enlarges upon the condition of man, addressing himself also to God. Every man of Adam's fallen race is short-lived. All his show of beauty, happiness, and splendour falls before the stroke of sickness or death, as the flower before the scythe; or passes away like the shadow. How is it possible for a man's conduct to be sinless, when his heart is by nature unclean? Here is a clear proof that Job understood and believed the doctrine of original sin. He seems to have intended it as a plea, why the Lord should not deal with him according to his own works, but according to His mercy and grace. It is determined, in the counsel and decree of God, how long we shall live. Our times are in his hands, the powers of nature act under him; in him we live and move. And it is very useful to reflect seriously on the shortness and uncertainty of human life, and the fading nature of all earthly enjoyments. But it is still more important to look at the cause, and remedy of these evils. Until we are born of the Spirit, no spiritually good thing dwells in us, or can proceed from us. Even the little good in the regenerate is defiled with sin. We should therefore humble ourselves before God, and cast ourselves wholly on the mercy of God, through our Divine Surety. We should daily seek the renewing of the Holy Ghost, and look to heaven as the only place of perfect holiness and happiness.

‏ Job 14

* Job speaks of man's life. (1-6) Of man's death. (7-15) By sin

man is subject to corruption. (16-22)

1-6 Job enlarges upon the condition of man, addressing himself

also to God. Every man of Adam's fallen race is short-lived. All

his show of beauty, happiness, and splendour falls before the

stroke of sickness or death, as the flower before the scythe; or

passes away like the shadow. How is it possible for a man's

conduct to be sinless, when his heart is by nature unclean? Here

is a clear proof that Job understood and believed the doctrine

of original sin. He seems to have intended it as a plea, why the

Lord should not deal with him according to his own works, but

according to His mercy and grace. It is determined, in the

counsel and decree of God, how long we shall live. Our times are

in his hands, the powers of nature act under him; in him we live

and move. And it is very useful to reflect seriously on the

shortness and uncertainty of human life, and the fading nature

of all earthly enjoyments. But it is still more important to

look at the cause, and remedy of these evils. Until we are born

of the Spirit, no spiritually good thing dwells in us, or can

proceed from us. Even the little good in the regenerate is

defiled with sin. We should therefore humble ourselves before

God, and cast ourselves wholly on the mercy of God, through our

Divine Surety. We should daily seek the renewing of the Holy

Ghost, and look to heaven as the only place of perfect holiness

and happiness. 7-15 Though a tree is cut down, yet, in a moist situation,

shoots come forth, and grow up as a newly planted tree. But when

man is cut off by death, he is for ever removed from his place

in this world. The life of man may fitly be compared to the

waters of a land flood, which spread far, but soon dry up. All

Job's expressions here show his belief in the great doctrine of

the resurrection. Job's friends proving miserable comforters, he

pleases himself with the expectation of a change. If our sins

are forgiven, and our hearts renewed to holiness, heaven will be

the rest of our souls, while our bodies are hidden in the grave

from the malice of our enemies, feeling no more pain from our

corruptions, or our corrections. 16-22 Job's faith and hope spake, and grace appeared to revive;

but depravity again prevailed. He represents God as carrying

matters to extremity against him. The Lord must prevail against

all who contend with him. God may send disease and pain, we may

lose all comfort in those near and dear to us, every hope of

earthly happiness may be destroyed, but God will receive the

believer into realms of eternal happiness. But what a change

awaits the prosperous unbeliever! How will he answer when God

shall call him to his tribunal? The Lord is yet upon a

mercy-seat, ready to be gracious. Oh that sinners would be wise,

that they would consider their latter end! While man's flesh is

upon him, that is, the body he is so loth to lay down, it shall

have pain; and while his soul is within him, that is, the spirit

he is so loth to resign, it shall mourn. Dying work is hard

work; dying pangs often are sore pangs. It is folly for men to

defer repentance to a death-bed, and to have that to do which is

the one thing needful, when unfit to do anything.