God is so kind to us to inspire these penmen. He reveals his concern for us. Why should he reason with us at all? Instead of judging us, he condescends to put persuasive arguments before us to turn our hearts to him. How do we measure the value of a life? The unbelieving world has its way of doing this, and it thinks that it is all rather obvious. Of course, it says, a successful life is one in which there are many achievements along the way: a business empire built up from very little, a writing career which has a close following, a role in politics which bring significant change, a sportsman who represents his country. And, yes, of course, many children and long life. Do not most people think of the celebrities as examples of fulfilled lives? But what happens when we look below surface? We see flawed human beings for the most part, who put on a front for public consumption, but the reality was quite different – broken marriages, multiple partners, moral failings, character defects. Human tendency to idolise does not want to see the true person. A truly valuable life is one that bears fruit for eternity, which overcomes this world. Such a life is often regarded as nothing by those without faith.