38 Yet he was compassionate;
he atoned for their iniquity
and did not destroy them.
He often turned his anger aside
and did not unleash[a] all his wrath.
39 He remembered that they were only flesh,
a wind that passes and does not return. (Psalm 78:38-39 CSB)

It is a very good thing that God has mercy and well understands that we are only flesh. We are weak and sinful beings who will stop at nothing to find our please in this life.

God turns away his anger time and time again and is compassionate with us. He gave his only son for us, and yet we continue in our ways. Not really realizing that every sin pounds the nails deeper.

We need to look upon our lives as the scripture notes, a passing wind that does not return, so that we respond to every moment appropriately. We consider the words and actions that we cannot take back and how they impact others.

Yes, we are only flesh, but we can strive for more.