Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, vanity often refers to the emptiness and futility of human endeavors apart from God. It is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the transient and deceptive nature of worldly pursuits. Evil people, in their vanity, frequently use persuasive and enticing words to lead others astray, drawing them away from the truth and into paths of unrighteousness.The book of Proverbs provides numerous warnings about the seductive power of words used by the wicked. Proverbs 5:3-4 cautions, "Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil, in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a double-edged sword." Here, the allure of sinful speech is likened to sweetness and smoothness, yet it ultimately leads to bitterness and harm. Similarly, Proverbs 7:21 describes how an evil person can lead others astray: "With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him." This verse illustrates the power of flattery and persuasive speech in drawing individuals into sin, emphasizing the danger of succumbing to such temptations. The New Testament also addresses the issue of deceitful speech. In Romans 16:18 , Paul warns the believers, "For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive." This passage underscores the self-serving nature of those who use their words to manipulate and deceive, contrasting their motives with the service of Christ. The apostle Peter echoes this sentiment in 2 Peter 2:18 , where he describes false teachers: "With lofty but empty words, they appeal to the sensual passions of the flesh and entice those who are just escaping from others who live in error." Here, the emphasis is on the emptiness of their words, which, though grandiose, are devoid of truth and substance, preying on the vulnerabilities of those seeking freedom from sin. The allure of vanity through speech is not limited to overtly wicked individuals but can also be seen in those who distort the truth for personal gain. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4 , Paul warns Timothy, "For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." This passage highlights the danger of seeking out teachings that cater to personal desires rather than adhering to the truth of God's Word. Throughout Scripture, the allure of vanity through the words of evil people serves as a cautionary tale for believers. It is a reminder to remain vigilant, discerning, and grounded in the truth, resisting the seductive pull of empty and deceitful speech that leads away from the path of righteousness. Nave's Topical Index 2 Peter 2:18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. Nave's Topical Index Library He Restoreth My Soul. Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy. Perseverance of Saints. Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. An Appendix to the Beatitudes Twenty Fourth Sunday after Trinity Prayer and Spiritual Knowledge. Home-Education. The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful The Sheep and their Shepherd Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance. Resources What does the Bible say about vanity? | GotQuestions.orgWhen does hygiene cross the line and become vanity? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Ecclesiastes - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Vanity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Vanity: A Consequence of the Fall Vanity: All Earthly Things Are Vanity: All should Know and Acknowledge Vanity: Alms Giving Without Charity Is Vanity: Almsgiving Without Love Is Vanity: Childhood and Youth Are Vanity: Evil People: Allure Others Through the Words of Vanity: Evil People: Especially Characterized By Vanity: Evil People: Judicially Given up To Vanity: Evil People: Regard God's Service As Vanity: Evil People: Though Full of, Affect to be Wise Vanity: Faith Without Works Is Vanity: Following Those Given To, Leads to Poverty Vanity: Fools Follow Those Given To Vanity: Man at his Best Estate Is Vanity: Man, at his Best Estate, Is Vanity: Man's own Righteousness Is Vanity: Mere External Religion Is Vanity: Riches Gotten by Falsehood Are Vanity: Saints Hate the Thoughts of Vanity: Saints: Avoid Those Given To Vanity: Saints: Hate the Thoughts of Vanity: Saints: Pray to be Kept From Vanity: The Conduct of the Ungodly Is Vanity: The Religion of Hypocrites Is Vanity: The Thoughts of Man Are Vanity: The Wicked: Allure Others by Words of Vanity: The Wicked: Count God's Service As Vanity: The Wicked: Especially Characterised By Vanity: The Wicked: Judicially Given up To Vanity: The Wicked: Though Full of, Affect to be Wise Vanity: The Wicked: Walk After Vanity: The Worship of the Wicked Is Vanity: They Who Trust In, Rewarded With Vanity: Treasures of Wickedness Are Vanity: Wealth Gotten By, Diminishes Vanity: Worldly Possessions Are Related Terms |
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