Topical Bible: Dream: Vanity of

◄ Dream: Vanity of ►

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In the biblical context, dreams are often seen as a means through which God communicates with individuals. However, not all dreams hold divine significance. The concept of the "vanity of dreams" is addressed in Scripture, highlighting the futility and emptiness of dreams that are not rooted in divine revelation.

The book of Ecclesiastes, attributed to Solomon, provides a poignant reflection on the vanity of dreams. Ecclesiastes 5:7 states, "For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear." This verse underscores the idea that an abundance of dreams and words can lead to vanity, emphasizing the importance of fearing and revering God above all.

The prophet Jeremiah also addresses the deceptive nature of dreams that do not originate from God. In Jeremiah 23:32 , the Lord declares, "Indeed, I am against those who prophesy false dreams, declares the LORD. They tell them and lead My people astray with their reckless lies, yet I did not send or appoint them. They do not benefit these people in the least, declares the LORD." Here, the vanity of dreams is linked to false prophets who claim divine inspiration but ultimately mislead the people.

Zechariah 10:2 further illustrates the emptiness of dreams that lack divine truth: "For the idols speak deceit, the diviners see illusions, and they tell false dreams; they comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep, oppressed for lack of a shepherd." This passage highlights the danger of relying on dreams that are not grounded in God's truth, leading to spiritual wandering and oppression.

In the New Testament, the apostle Jude warns against those who rely on dreams to justify immoral behavior. Jude 1:8 states, "Yet in the same way these dreamers defile their bodies, reject authority, and slander glorious beings." This reference to "dreamers" suggests individuals who use their dreams as a pretext for sinful actions, further illustrating the vanity and potential danger of dreams that are not aligned with God's will.

Throughout Scripture, the vanity of dreams is contrasted with the reliability and authority of God's Word. While dreams can be a medium for divine communication, they are not inherently trustworthy. Believers are encouraged to discern the source and significance of their dreams, always prioritizing the fear of the Lord and adherence to His revealed Word.

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Ecclesiastes 5:3,7
For a dream comes through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.
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Library

Inevitable Nemesis
... It has vanished like a dream when one awakes; it has faded like a flower of the ... Say,
then, say ever, "Vanity of vanities; all is vanity!" Write it on your walls ...
/.../chapter xxviii inevitable nemesis.htm

Solomon
... all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation ...
Their hero, the man of whom they delighted to talk and dream, was not David ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon xi solomon.htm

The Moods of Mr. George Moore
... all the aesthetes, his real quarrel with life is that it is not a dream that can ...
It is also true that vanity is a much wiser and more vigorous thing than pride ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/ix the moods of mr.htm

The Stichera of the Last Kiss.
... Earth in its truest worth she sees; A flickering shade; a dream of error; A vanity
of vanities. Sin in this world let us flee,. That in heaven our place may be. ...
/.../neale/hymns of the eastern church/the stichera of the last.htm

On Eutropius, the Eunuch, Patrician and Consul.
... and to hear his neighbour say in return "vanity of vanities, all is vanity." Was
I ... of the reality; whether he calls them smoke, or grass, or a dream or spring ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i on eutropius the.htm

Lessons for Worship and for Work
... to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore
let thy words be few.3. For a dream cometh through ... This is also vanity.11. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/lessons for worship and for.htm

Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon.
... For Study and Discussion. (1) Make a list of all the different things enumerated
as a failure or vanity. ... 2. In a dream she goes in search of him, 3:1-5. ...
/.../chapter xiv ecclesiastes and the.htm

The Home-Parlor.
... society; there they see the world in all the brilliancy of outward life, in the
pomp and pageantry of a vanity fair. All seems to them as a fairy dream, as a ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxii the home-parlor.htm

To Gregory xi
... It was a strange dream, and hopeless; but it was the dream of a saint ... the poor: and
they appear in such luxury and state and pomp and worldly vanity, more than ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to gregory xi 3.htm

Let this be My Excuse to the Learned World...
... And till a man knows this, with as much fullness of conviction as he knows the vanity
of a dream, he has his full proof, that he is not yet in the light of ...
/.../address 142 0 0 let this be.htm