Job 7:16 I loathe it; I would not live always: let me alone; for my days are vanity. We are led to say with Job, "I would not live alway." I. FROM THE STATE OF THINGS AROUND US. They are subject to dissolution, and are actually dissolving. Every year we behold proofs and symptoms of this. Years as they pass speak to us of the consummation of all things. Is it a thing desirable to live alway in the dissolving scene? II. FROM THE CONDITION OF MANKIND. "One generation goeth and another cometh." "The fathers, where are they?" III. FROM THE NATURE OF HUMAN ENJOYMENTS. Human enjoyments there are, but they are fluctuating, and the memory of our early joys is all of them that remains. Human enjoyments not only fade and decay; they are often blasted in the bud or the blossom. Besides the real disappointments and evils of life there are imaginary evils. Some have hours of deep and awful melancholy. There is a time of life with every thinking person, when he looks no more forward to worldly objects of desire, when he leaves these things behind, and meditates the evening of his day. Then he thinks on the mercies of a past life, and takes up songs of praise. IV. FROM DIFFICULTY IN THE DUTIES OF LIFE. Favourable circumstances often attend our entrance into the world. By and by difficulties arise. It is sometimes difficult to fulfil the demands of justice. Even in a high station honours are apt to fade, and cares to multiply. V. FROM THE REMAINS OF SIN. At first the Christian says, "I will keep all Thy commandments." Then temptation prevails. Experience convinces him that human resolution is weak, that the heart is deceitful, that sin is wedded to mortality. VI. THE DEATH OF FRIENDS MAKES US SAY WITH JOB, "I WOULD NOT LIVE ALWAY." Friendship sweetens life; but the course of human affection is often interrupted, is often varied, is often embittered. The happiest union on earth must be dissolved, and the love of life dissolves with it. A beautiful view of providence opens. That which constitutes our greatest felicity on earth makes us most willing to depart. The friends of our youth have failed. The hour of departure rises on the soul, for we are going to a land peopled with our fathers, and our kindred, and the friends of our youth, Already our spirits mingle with theirs. (S. Charters.) Parallel Verses KJV: I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity.WEB: I loathe my life. I don't want to live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath. |
    |