I Speak As A Man

"But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world? For if the truth of God has increased through my lie to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? And why not say, "Let us do evil that good may come"?--as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say. Their condemnation is just." (Rom. 3: 5-8 nkjv)

In this text I want to focus on the words in bold above where Paul says in parentheses "I speak as a man." 

Many bible students stumble at some things stated in the book of Ecclesiastes, such as when he says "the dead know not anything." (Eccl. 9: 5) However, what they fail to understand is that Solomon in that book often speaks as a man, that is, as it appears to men apart from divine revelation. 

Wrote Albert Barnes in his commentary:

"I speak as a man - I speak after the manner of human beings. I speak as appears to be the case to human view; or as would strike the human mind. It does not mean that the language was such as wicked people were accustomed to use; but that the objector expressed a sentiment which to human view would seem to follow from what had been said."

That is correct. Notice some other instances where Paul said the same thing.

"I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh." (Rom. 6: 19 nkjv)

"Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also?" (I Cor. 9: 8 nkjv)

Or, as another translates the verse:

"I am not just asserting these things according to human judgment, am I?" (nasb) 

"Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it." (Gal. 3: 15 nkjv)

So, in conclusion, when you read the book of Ecclesiastes keep in mind that Solomon speaks as a man, seeing things as a man sees them outside of the context of God and providence. This is similar to "looking on things after the outward appearance." (II Cor. 10: 7) But, as any wise person should know, things are not always as they appear. It is in the conclusion of Ecclesiastes that Solomon puts things in context, God and his providence being that context. 

Things are not always as they seem. Wisdom and experience demonstrate this. Perspective is very important. Things are not always what they look like. People are often guilty of "jumping to conclusions." So Christ advised - "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7: 24 nkjv) The Amplified translates this way: "Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously."