Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "vanity" often refers to the futility and emptiness of human endeavors that are devoid of God's purpose and wisdom. The term is frequently associated with the actions and schemes of evil people, who devise plans that are ultimately meaningless and lead to destruction. The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings about the vanity of such wicked schemes.The book of Psalms frequently addresses the theme of vanity in relation to the wicked. Psalm 2:1-2 states, "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One." Here, the psalmist highlights the futility of the nations' conspiracies against God, emphasizing that their plans are ultimately in vain because they oppose the divine will. Proverbs also speaks to the vanity of evil schemes. Proverbs 21:30 declares, "No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel can prevail against the LORD." This verse underscores the idea that any plan devised by the wicked, no matter how cunning or well-conceived, is ultimately futile when it stands in opposition to God's sovereign purposes. The prophet Isaiah further elaborates on the vanity of evil plans. In Isaiah 8:10 , it is written, "Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us." This passage reassures the faithful that the schemes of the wicked will not succeed because God's presence and power render them ineffective. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the vanity of human wisdom and schemes apart from God. In 1 Corinthians 3:19-20 , he writes, "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: 'He catches the wise in their craftiness.' And again, 'The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.'" Paul emphasizes that worldly wisdom and the plots of the wicked are ultimately empty and without substance when measured against God's eternal truth. The Bible consistently portrays the devising of evil plans as an exercise in vanity, highlighting the futility and ultimate failure of such endeavors. The Scriptures call believers to trust in God's wisdom and to avoid the empty pursuits of those who oppose His will. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 36:4He devises mischief on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he abhors not evil. Nave's Topical Index Library Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ... Pope Anterus. The Mediator --The Interpreter The Folly of Slander. Part 2. A Miracle of Grace The Folly of Slander. Part 1. Rom. xiv. 14 Hail, Jesus; Coming Judgment of the Secrets of Men Having used these means to procure them Resources How can I stay focused on Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about steroids? | GotQuestions.org Who is the Preacher in Ecclesiastes? | 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 |