2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
2 They spring up like flowers and wither away; like fleeting shadows, they do not endure.
2 He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not.
2 We spring up like wildflowers in the desert and then wilt, transient as the shadow of a cloud.
2 He comes forth like a flower and fades away; He flees like a shadow and does not continue.
2 We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 14:2
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.