Topical Bible: Natural Life: we Know not What is Good for Us In

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The concept of natural life and the inherent uncertainty of knowing what is truly good for us is a recurring theme in the Bible. This notion underscores the limitations of human understanding and the necessity of relying on divine wisdom. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the human condition, emphasizing our inability to fully comprehend what is beneficial for us without God's guidance.

Ecclesiastes and Human Limitations

The book of Ecclesiastes poignantly addresses the enigma of human life and the futility of relying solely on human wisdom. Ecclesiastes 6:12 states, "For who knows what is good for a man during his life, during the few days of his fleeting life, which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will happen after him under the sun?" This verse highlights the transient nature of life and the uncertainty that accompanies it. The Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflects on the limitations of human knowledge and the inability to discern what is truly beneficial in the grand scheme of life.

The Role of Divine Wisdom

The Bible consistently points to the necessity of seeking God's wisdom to navigate the complexities of life. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage underscores the importance of trusting in the Lord rather than relying on our limited understanding. By acknowledging God in all aspects of life, believers are assured that He will guide them in the right direction.

The Example of Job

The account of Job further illustrates the theme of human limitation in understanding what is good. Job, a righteous man, faced immense suffering and questioned the purpose behind his trials. In Job 38:2-4 , God responds to Job's inquiries, saying, "Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge? Now brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall inform Me. Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding." God's response emphasizes the vast difference between divine and human understanding, reminding Job of his limited perspective.

The Apostle Paul on Human Understanding

The New Testament also addresses the limitations of human understanding. In 1 Corinthians 13:12 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." Paul acknowledges that our current understanding is partial and incomplete, but he assures believers that a time will come when they will have full understanding in the presence of God.

The Call to Humility and Dependence on God

Throughout the Bible, there is a call to humility and dependence on God, recognizing that He alone knows what is truly good for us. James 4:13-15 warns against presumption, stating, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.' You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.'" This passage encourages believers to submit their plans to God's will, acknowledging His sovereignty over their lives.

In summary, the Bible teaches that natural life is fraught with uncertainty, and humans are inherently limited in their understanding of what is truly good. The Scriptures call believers to seek divine wisdom, trust in God's guidance, and humbly submit to His will, recognizing that He alone knows what is best for us.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 6:12
For who knows what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spends as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... The Lord offers to inbirth faith in each scene of life – so that each ... and evidential
value substantiating the thing we hope for . ... faith is not natural . . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

Library

That Love in this Life Takes Its Origin but not Its Excellence ...
... very far beyond it; so that in this life we are able ... will is not applied to it by
a natural knowledge, but ... more discover the vein of the mineral, we search and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter iv that love in.htm

Of the Signs of Good Rapture, and of the Third Species of the Same ...
... yea prophetical visions, without charity: for, as I know well one ... do the same, Theotimus,
if we are spiritual: for we forsake our natural life to live ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter vi of the signs.htm

He Maketh Me to Lie Down in Pastures of Tender Grass; He Leadeth ...
... With respect to things of the higher life"of the supernatural world"we, of ourselves ...
wisest of men would be to know and grasp by his natural powers the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/callan/the shepherd of my soul/iv he maketh me to.htm

On Religion; the Natural and Divine Life; and the Exemplification ...
... is nothing proper to make a man's life pleasant, or ... conspicuous in the world, but
this natural principle, assisted ... consider their nature, both that we may keep ...
/.../scougal/the life of god in the soul of man/part i on religion the.htm

Under the Shepherd's Care.
... the strength of the branch will increase also, and the life left to its own natural
and healthy ... We, too, know in our souls whether the LORD is indwelling us ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/under the shepherds care.htm

The Natural Supremacy of Reflection
... authority with it, that it is our natural guide; the ... way to our own good, why should
we not endeavour to ... a manner all the common enjoyments of life, even the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon iii the natural supremacy.htm

The Humanheartedness of Jesus.
... revealing, he continued to live an altogether natural human life ... Life flows into
life, heart and heart are knit ... We have but little to give to Christ; yet it is ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter i the humanheartedness of.htm

"But it is Good for Me to Draw Near to God: I have Put My Trust in ...
... that it wholly alienates them from the life of God ... Though we may, as that people,
draw near with our lips ... to know him, yet there is this natural incapacity and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon v but it is.htm

That we must Avoid all Curiosity, and Humbly Acquiesce in God's ...
... the other in his birth loses his temporal life, before being ... not willing to stop
the course of natural causes, which on ... to know that it is by him we stand and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter vii that we must.htm

The Mission of Little Children
... Beautifully has it been shown by a recent writer how the natural operation of this
sentiment in the child's ... Do we not begin to learn that life is not a ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/the mission of little children.htm