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I. SCRIPTURAL SOLUTION OF THE QUESTION.

1. As a creature of God, man is —

(1)  A piece of modified dust, enlivened with the breath of God (Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 15:47).

(2)  A potter's vessel, that is easily dashed and broken (Psalm 2:9; Romans 9:21).

(3)  Grass (Isaiah 40:6-8).

(4)  The drop of a bucket, etc. (Isaiah 40:15).

(5)  Nothing, and less than nothing (Isaiah 40:17).

2. As a fallen creature, man is —

(1)  Diseased, overrun with a loathsome leprosy from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot: the disease of sin has invaded the very vitals, insomuch that the very mind and conscience is defiled and wasted, etc.

(2)  Ugly and loathsome (Job 15:16).

(3)  Impotent and helpless.

(4)  Rebellious.

(5)  Condemned.

(6)  Noxious and hurtful.

(7)  Noisome.

(8)  Dead (Ephesians 2:1)

II. WHAT IS IMPORTED IN GOD'S REGARDING MAN, OR MAKING ACCOUNT OF HIM.

1. That he is yet not beyond God's notice and observation.

2. That the regard God shows unto man does not flow from anything in himself.

3. That it is the fruit of His own free grace and sovereign will and pleasure.

4. That God has no need of man.

5. That God's mercy and love unto man, and the son of man, is of a preventing nature: man is not seeking after God when He takes knowledge of him in a way of mercy.

6. That whatever man be, however despicable, low, and inconsiderable, yet God treats him as if he were some great and considerable person. Hence He is said to magnify him (Job 7:17).

III. WHEREIN DOTH GOD DISCOVER HIS REGARD UNTO MAN?

1. Take a short view of the regard that God shows in common unto all men.

(1) Observe what regard God showed unto man, that petty, poor creature, at his creation.

(2) Consider the regard God shows unto man in the course of His common providence, and that notwithstanding his apostasy.

(a) Although we be all transgressors from the very womb, yet He continues a succession of men upon the earth.

(b) See the wonderful care that God has in and about the formation of man in the womb.

(c) Whenever man is brought into the world, although he is the most helpless creature in himself, yet He has provided the best of help to cherish and preserve him.

2. Take a view of the good of His chosen.

(1)  Before time.

(2)  In time.

(3)  After time ends, in eternity (1 Corinthians 2:9).

IV. SHOW THAT THIS IS TRULY WONDERFUL AND SURPRISING.

1. It is surprising, if we consider God's infinite and amazing greatness and glory.

2. It is surprising, if we consider what man is, what a poor, inconsiderable, contemptible creature he is, both as a creature and as a sinner.3. It is surprising and wonderful, because it cannot be conceived or expressed; it runs beyond all thought and all words.

V. APPLICATION.

1. See hence the folly of all such as are taken up in admiring any created excellency, either to be found in themselves, or others of the human raze, without running up to the fountain head, an infinite God, from whom all being, beauty, glory, and excellency doth flow.

2. See hence the horrid ingratitude of sinners in waging war against God, who is so good and so kind unto man.

3. See hence the way and method that God takes to "lead sinners to repentance": why, He just pursues them with His kindness, and draws them "with cords of a man, with bands of love; knowest thou not, O man, that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"

4. Is God so good and so kind to worm man? then see hence, what a reasonable command the first command of the law is, "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me."

5. See hence the criminal nature of the sin of unbelief, which is a saying upon the matter, God is not to be trusted, notwithstanding all His kindness, pity, and love to man.

6. Is God so kind to man? worm, worthless many Is the regard that He shows to us so surprising and wonderful? then let us discover a regard to Him, and to everything that belongs to Him.

(1)  In His works of nature.

(2)  In His works of providence.

(3)  In His Christ.

(4)  In His Scriptures.

(5)  By attending His courts.

(E. Erskine.)

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KJV: LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!

WEB: Yahweh, what is man, that you care for him? Or the son of man, that you think of him?