17. What life span is typical of people in general, and our years are filled with what?

¹⁷ Regarding the life span of imperfect humans, the psalmist says: “In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; and if because of special mightiness they are eighty years, yet their insistence is on trouble and hurtful things; for it must quickly pass by, and away we fly.” (Psalm 90:10) A life span of 70 years is typical of people in general, and at age 85, Caleb cited his unusual strength. There have been exceptions, such as Aaron (123), Moses (120), and Joshua (110). (Numbers 33:39; Deuteronomy 34:7; Joshua 14:6, 10, 11; 24:29) But of the faithless generation that came out of Egypt, registered ones from 20 years old and upward died within 40 years. (Numbers 14:29-34) Today, in many countries the general human life span remains within the range given by the psalmist. Our years are filled with “trouble and hurtful things.” They pass by quickly, “and away we fly.”​—Job 14:1, 2.

A life expectancy of 70 years holds out hope of some 25,500 days. Regardless of our age, though, ‘we do not know what our life will be tomorrow, for we are a mist appearing for a little while and then disappearing.’ (James 4:13-15) Since ‘time and unforeseen occurrence befall us all,’ we cannot say how much longer we will live. Let us therefore pray for wisdom to deal with trials, to treat others properly, and to do our best in Jehovah’s service right now​—today! (Ecclesiastes 9:11; James 1:5-8)