Topical Bible: Vanity: Avoid Those Given To

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Vanity, in the biblical context, often refers to the emptiness or futility of human endeavors apart from God. It is a recurring theme in Scripture, particularly in the wisdom literature, where it is depicted as a pursuit that leads to dissatisfaction and spiritual emptiness. The Bible warns believers to avoid those who are given to vanity, as their influence can lead one away from a life centered on God.

Biblical Understanding of Vanity

The concept of vanity is prominently featured in the Book of Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher, traditionally understood to be Solomon, reflects on the meaninglessness of life when lived without regard for God. Ecclesiastes 1:2 states, "Futility of futilities, says the Teacher, futility of futilities! Everything is futile!" This verse sets the tone for the book, emphasizing the transient and unsatisfying nature of worldly pursuits.

In the New Testament, vanity is often associated with the futility of a life lived according to the flesh. Romans 8:20 speaks of creation being subjected to futility, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope. This futility is a result of the fall and the subsequent curse on creation, highlighting the need for redemption through Christ.

Avoiding Those Given to Vanity

The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of avoiding those who are consumed by vanity. Proverbs 12:11 warns, "He who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment." This proverb contrasts the diligent worker with the one who pursues empty dreams, underscoring the foolishness of vanity.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul advises believers to be cautious of those who lead a life characterized by vanity. Ephesians 4:17-18 states, "So I tell you this, and testify to it in the Lord: You must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts." Here, Paul describes the futility of a life apart from God and urges believers to live differently.

The Influence of Vanity

The influence of those given to vanity can be detrimental to one's spiritual health. Psalm 119:37 is a prayer for divine assistance in turning away from worthless things: "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word." This verse highlights the need for God's intervention to keep one's focus on what is truly valuable.

The Apostle Peter also addresses the issue of vanity in 2 Peter 2:18 , warning against false teachers who entice others with empty words: "For by uttering boastful, empty words, they seduce with fleshly desires and debauchery those who are barely escaping from others who live in error." This passage serves as a caution against being swayed by those who speak with vanity and deceit.

Practical Steps for Avoidance

To avoid the influence of vanity, believers are encouraged to cultivate a life centered on God and His Word. Colossians 3:2 advises, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." By focusing on eternal truths rather than temporary, vain pursuits, Christians can guard their hearts against the allure of vanity.

Additionally, surrounding oneself with a community of believers who prioritize godly values can provide support and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as some have made a habit, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

In summary, the Bible's teachings on vanity serve as a reminder of the importance of living a life that is not swayed by the empty pursuits of the world. By avoiding those given to vanity and focusing on God's eternal purposes, believers can find true fulfillment and purpose.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 26:4
I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Curiosity a Temptation to Sin.
... our passions, we indulge our ambition, our vanity, our love ... thoughts, all corrupt
or irreligious books, avoid all bad ... is not given at all to those who follow ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon v curiosity a temptation.htm

A Call to Holy Living
... of the world roam upon the wild mountains of vanity. ... he hath, and where much is given
much will be ... You are to avoid those evasions, alcove modes of concealing ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/a call to holy living.htm

Divine and Worldly Conformity
... God hates all vanity and pride ... Sound judgment and good sense will help us avoid both
extremes ... as a modest person would cover it, not displaying those parts that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk nineteen divine and worldly.htm

Concerning Masada and those Sicarii who Kept It; and How Silva ...
... enemies on that account, though it be now become vanity, and hath ... we were born to
die, [17] as well as those were whom ... of the most happy of our race to avoid it ...
/.../chapter 8 concerning masada and.htm

On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ...
... Scriptures, that "all is vanity, yea, vanity of vanities ... the reason of the overthrow,
might avoid imitating the ... Those who had sinned, He caused not to continue ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xix on the sunday.htm

Toilet.
... desire to attract attention; but above all; avoid every thing ... Let the true sense
of those words sink deeply into ... of faith all this is folly and vanity; for in ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xv toilet.htm

The Close
... of the Tongue as are the harder to avoid, because they ... when by the circulation of
time and vanity they are ... to God or our neighbor, or of those tongues which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/allestree/the government of the tongue/the close.htm

On Love
... things which are enjoined in the Law, and avoid all those ... I. The full sense of those
words, "Though I bestow all my ... that this be done not out of vanity, but in ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 139 on love.htm

Of Certain Outward Temptations and Appearances of Satan. Of the ...
... it seemed to me as if all my vanity and weakness ... good name, be detached from our
kindred; avoid their company ... troubles gave me more trouble than did those of my ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxi of certain outward.htm

On the Wisdom of this World
... another place he advises Timothy to "avoid profane and ... any morose leaven of pride
or vanity, which entered ... such as the same persons, without those aids, would ...
/.../swift/three sermons three prayers/on the wisdom of this.htm