There is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding, as Elihu declares in Job 32:8. This human spirit, endowed by God, elevates man above animals, granting intelligence, emotion, speech, skills, and abilities akin to but lesser than God's own. It enables humans to operate with free moral agency, choosing their behaviors. However, this spirit lacks an inherent moral compass, remaining essentially neutral, though often pulled downward by the desires of the flesh. Without guidance, a person can become either a saint or a sinner, depending on upbringing, but left alone, he may bring shame, as warned in Proverbs 29:15. This human spirit, distinct from God's Spirit as explained in I Corinthians 2:11-13, understands only what the human mind can discern. It can, under the influence of the spirit of this world, mimic the wisdom that comes solely from God's Spirit, leading to works that appear right but are still guided by natural spirituality. Even unconverted individuals may follow parts of God's law, reasoning out a partially correct moral sense through the spirit God breathed into Adam, as noted in Romans 2:14-15. Yet, this moral sense is often mixed, partly right and partly wrong, and fundamentally at odds with God. The human spirit, remarkable in its capacity, can independently reason out elements of God's truth and act upon them to varying degrees. However, this does not signify conversion, which requires the indwelling of God's Spirit, given only to those called by Him. The natural man, guided by his inherent spirituality, remains a law to himself, occasionally performing good works that align with God's will, as even evil men can give good gifts, according to Matthew 7:11.

The concept of the spirit in man is a profound and essential element in understanding our connection to God. This spirit is an immaterial quality that empowers, not a material organ, but a vital force that imparts the power of intellect and the ability to think. It enables humans to utilize the material tools God has created, allowing us to operate as beings with the potential to become like Him. The spirit in man facilitates communication within the brain and between the brain and other bodily tools, thus enabling thought and the use of these tools. This God-given spirit makes man human and sets us apart from animals, providing self-awareness to a far greater extent and the potential to be aware of the greatness of our Creator and to worship Him. Animals, despite having similar material tools like a brain, lack this immaterial power and are nowhere near the intellectual level of humans. The spirit imparts the ability to think spatially, to have foresight, to remember, to use language, to experience emotion, to build, to sing, to experience joy, and to plan. It enables man to invent and overcome the natural superiorities of animals, thus reigning over other creatures. This invisible and immaterial power is a gift that we use every day, often without realizing it, in thinking, dreaming, planning, and remembering. It is this spirit that allows man to be in the image of God to some degree, even intellectually, before conversion, enabling thoughts about God and even God-like thoughts. As an invisible force, the spirit's manifestations can be seen in actions and effects, though the spirit itself remains unseen, motivating us to do or not to do, shaping our lives in alignment with or against the divine purpose.

The concept of the spirit in man is central to understanding the broader framework of spiritual influences. Each person possesses a spirit, as described in I Corinthians 2:11, which states that only the spirit of a man knows the things of a man. This echoes Job 32:8, affirming there is a spirit in man, linked to the breath of the Almighty that grants understanding. In this context, spirit is synonymous with heart or mind, representing the intelligent, non-physical aspect of a person that enables thought, reasoning, and comprehension. This spirit in man serves as the source and overseer of an individual's thoughts, not as a separate being but as the center of reason within the person. The spirit in man interacts with external spiritual forces, notably the spirit of the world, which influences mankind's attitudes and actions against God's will. This worldly spirit stirs up the spirit in man, inducing individuals to think, feel, and ultimately act in ways aligned with the world's anti-God inclination. While spirit itself is invisible, akin to wind or breath, its effects are evident in the actions and attitudes of mankind, revealing the active presence of spiritual influences. In contrast, those who receive God's Spirit gain an additional motivating principle that enhances the spirit in man, providing spiritual understanding and aligning thoughts with the mind of Christ. This received Spirit, distinct from the inherent spirit in man, enables a person to know the things of God, countering the spirit of the world and fostering a disposition toward holiness and sound-mindedness. Thus, the spirit in man becomes a battleground for these opposing forces, shaping one's conduct and relationship with the Creator.