Why the Believer Does not Wish to Live Always
Evangelical Preacher
Job 7:16
I loathe it; I would not live always: let me alone; for my days are vanity.


A truth may sometimes be uttered in a bad spirit. This is. But it may be expressed with an intelligent submission to the Divine will, and be cherished in harmony with the Christian principles. There are reasons which induce the believer to utter this sentiment.

1. He knows it is not the will of God that he should live always. "It is appointed unto all men once to die."

2. Because here the work of grace is but imperfectly developed. At present his piety is only elementary. "Now we know in part."

3. Here the full blessing of justifying righteousness cannot be enjoyed. This blessing is now enjoyed by faith, and faith is fluctuating.

4. Here God is at best but imperfectly worshipped. The holy soul desires to worship God with undivided thought and affection. This outer court worship is too often interrupted by the din and bustle of worldly traffickers. Thoughts and affections are often intruders when the mind would be engaged in God's worship.

5. The change is absolutely necessary for the completion of our blessedness and the perfection of the Divine glory. We must go home to be happy. In the consolations, hopes, and joys the believer realises in death God is glorified.

(Evangelical Preacher.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity.

WEB: I loathe my life. I don't want to live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath.




The Advantage of not Living Alway
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