The term "Men of the World" is often used in Scripture to describe individuals who are primarily focused on earthly, temporal matters rather than spiritual or eternal concerns. This concept is rooted in the biblical understanding of the world as a system opposed to God and His purposes. The Bible frequently contrasts the values and pursuits of worldly men with those who seek after God and His righteousness.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 17:14 : "From such men, O LORD, by Your hand— from men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their bellies with treasure; their children are satisfied, and they leave their abundance to their infants." This verse highlights the temporal focus of worldly men, whose satisfaction and inheritance are limited to this life. Their portion is earthly, and their legacy is material wealth passed down to their descendants.

2. 1 John 2:15-17 : "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever." This passage warns believers against the allure of worldly desires, emphasizing that such pursuits are transient and ultimately incompatible with the love of God.

3. James 4:4 : "You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God." Here, James uses strong language to convey the spiritual danger of aligning oneself with worldly values. Friendship with the world is equated with enmity against God, underscoring the incompatibility between worldly pursuits and divine allegiance.

4. Philippians 3:18-19 : "For as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things." Paul laments those who live as enemies of Christ, driven by earthly desires and self-indulgence. Their focus on worldly matters leads to their ultimate ruin.

Characteristics of Men of the World:

· Temporal Focus: Men of the world are primarily concerned with the here and now, seeking satisfaction in material wealth, power, and pleasure. Their goals and ambitions are centered on earthly success and recognition.

· Spiritual Blindness: Such individuals often lack awareness or concern for spiritual truths and eternal realities. Their preoccupation with worldly matters blinds them to the things of God.

· Moral Compromise: In pursuit of worldly gain, men of the world may compromise moral and ethical standards. Their actions are often driven by self-interest rather than a commitment to righteousness.

· Hostility Toward God: As seen in James 4:4, friendship with the world places individuals in opposition to God. Their values and priorities are at odds with the teachings and commands of Scripture.

Contrast with Godly Living:

The Bible calls believers to live in contrast to men of the world by setting their minds on things above (Colossians 3:2) and seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Christians are encouraged to be in the world but not of it, maintaining a distinct identity as followers of Christ who prioritize eternal values over temporal gains.

In summary, "Men of the World" in biblical terms refers to those who are entrenched in worldly pursuits, often at the expense of their spiritual well-being. The Scriptures consistently warn against the dangers of such a lifestyle and call believers to a higher standard of living that reflects the values of God's kingdom.