What does it mean that man is few of days and full of trouble (Job 14:1)?

Answer

Job 14:1 states, “Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble.” This was uttered by a man who truly understood the nature of life’s challenges. Job found himself in the midst of extreme suffering, experiencing the most severe trials. God permitted Satan to test Job for a limited period to demonstrate that humans could remain faithful to the Lord even in the absence of earthly rewards. The book of Job reveals profound truths about God and portrays a righteous man enduring undeserved hardships. Job’s own life exemplified his words: his days were indeed brief and fraught with difficulties.

Job’s assertion that “man is few of days” serves as a reminder that our earthly existence is short when compared to eternity. Even the longest human lifespan is insignificant when measured against infinity. However, during times of suffering, our days may seem interminable, leading us to make choices and take actions we would not otherwise consider. Satan seeks to deceive us into believing that the day of judgment is far off (Matthew 12:36;Hebrews 9:27). Yet, the reckoning is closer than we realize. James wrote, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” «whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. », (James 4:14). Jesus also cautioned, “you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” «Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. », (Luke 12:40).

Job emphasized that mAn is “full of trouble,” and Jesus confirmed it: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” «These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.», (John 16:33). Becoming a Christian does not protect us from trouble. In fact, taking up our cross to follow Jesus may mean that life gets harder, not easier «And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. », (Luke 9:23). For centuries, Christians living in countries with oppressive governments have invited more trouble simply by trusting Christ for salvation. Even those in relatively free parts of the world face external difficulties and, internally, their own sinful desires as they strive to follow Christ (John 15:18;Romans 7:18-20).

One reason God allows trials in our lives is that they force us to refocus on eternity. This world is not all there is. In fact, our earthly existence is only a tiny fragment of the life God has planned for His children. Jesus urged us to store our real treasure in heaven where nothing can harm or destroy it (Matthew 6:19-20). To know Christ is to be thankful that our days are few because to “be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” «we are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. », (2 Corinthians 5:8). That knowledge strengthens us to take heart and not let earthly troubles overwhelm us. The trouble we are full

Life’s brevity won’t endure. Paul offers us a positive outlook on the reality that humanity’s existence is short and filled with challenges: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:16-17).