Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the concept of "vanity" often refers to the futility and meaninglessness of pursuits that are not grounded in the fear of God. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, particularly in the wisdom literature, where the transient nature of earthly achievements and the ultimate judgment of God are emphasized.The inheritance of vanity by evil people is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the ultimate futility of their pursuits and the emptiness of their rewards. The Scriptures make it clear that those who engage in wickedness and reject God's commandments will ultimately inherit nothing of lasting value. Job 15:31 : "Let him not deceive himself with trust in emptiness, for emptiness will be his reward." This verse from the book of Job underscores the deceptive nature of vanity. It warns that those who place their trust in empty pursuits will find that their reward is equally empty. The context of this passage is a discourse on the fate of the wicked, emphasizing that their reliance on vanity leads to their downfall. Proverbs 11:18 : "The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward." Here, the contrast between the wicked and the righteous is stark. The wicked, who engage in deceitful and vain practices, earn wages that are ultimately empty and meaningless. In contrast, those who pursue righteousness receive a reward that is genuine and enduring. Ecclesiastes 2:11 : "Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was no benefit under the sun." Although this verse reflects Solomon's personal reflection on his own achievements, it serves as a broader commentary on the vanity of earthly pursuits. For those who live in wickedness, their accomplishments are ultimately a "pursuit of the wind," offering no lasting benefit. Psalm 37:35-36 : "I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found." This passage illustrates the temporary success of the wicked, which is ultimately fleeting. Despite their apparent prosperity, their end is one of disappearance and insignificance, reinforcing the idea that their inheritance is vanity. Isaiah 57:12-13 : "I will expose your righteousness and your works, and they will not profit you. When you cry out for help, let your collection of idols save you! The wind will carry them all off, a mere breath will blow them away. But he who takes refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain." In this prophetic declaration, God warns that the works of the wicked, which they consider righteous, will not profit them. Their idols and false securities are as insubstantial as the wind, highlighting the vanity of their inheritance. The biblical narrative consistently portrays the inheritance of vanity by evil people as a consequence of their rejection of God's ways. Their pursuits, though sometimes appearing successful, are ultimately empty and devoid of eternal significance. The Scriptures call believers to seek righteousness and to place their trust in God, whose rewards are true and everlasting. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 16:19O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come to you from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit. Nave's Topical Index Library Good Days Of the Right of Bishops not to be Accused or Hurt by Detraction. Christ's Work of Destruction and Deliverance. Rev. John H. James. Tenth Commandment Scriptural Christianity The Letter of Saint Polycarp, "There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in ... "Alas for Us, if Thou Wert All, and Nought Beyond, O Earth" Adonijah The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache 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 |
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