141 Man, born of woman, is of few days, and full of trouble. 2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down; and he fleeth as a shadow, and continueth not. 3 Yet dost thou open thine eyes upon such a one, and bringest me into judgment with thee? 4 Who can bring a clean [man] out of the unclean? Not one! 5 If his days are determined, if the number of his months is with thee, [and] thou hast appointed his bounds which he must not pass, 6 Look away from him; and let him rest, till he accomplish, as a hireling, his day.
7 For there is hope for a tree: if it be cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender branch will not cease; 8 Though its root grow old in the earth, and its stock die in the ground, 9 Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and put forth boughs like a young plant. 10 But a man dieth, and is prostrate; yea, man expireth, and where is he? 11 The waters recede from the lake, and the river wasteth and drieth up: 12 So man lieth down, and riseth not again; till the heavens be no more, they do not awake, nor are raised out of their sleep.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 14:1-12
Commentary on Job 14:1-6
(Read Job 14:1-6)
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.
Commentary on Job 14:7-15
(Read Job 14:7-15)
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.