Topical Bible: Vanity: Lying Words Are

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In the biblical context, the concept of vanity often refers to the futility and emptiness of human endeavors apart from God. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, where lying words are frequently associated with vanity, highlighting the deceptive and ultimately worthless nature of falsehoods.

The prophet Jeremiah addresses the issue of lying words in relation to vanity. In Jeremiah 7:4 , the prophet warns the people of Judah, "Do not trust in deceptive words, chanting, ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD.’" Here, the people are cautioned against placing their trust in empty assurances that are devoid of true spiritual substance. The repetition of "the temple of the LORD" serves as a reminder that mere words, when not backed by genuine faith and obedience, are vain and misleading.

Similarly, in Jeremiah 23:16 , the Lord speaks through the prophet, saying, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'" This passage underscores the vanity of false prophecies, which are rooted in human imagination rather than divine revelation. Such lying words lead people astray, offering false hope and security.

The theme of vanity and lying words is also evident in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. In Proverbs 30:8 , the writer petitions, "Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but feed me with the bread that is my portion." This prayer reflects a desire for integrity and truth, recognizing the emptiness of deceit and the sufficiency of God's provision.

The New Testament continues to address the issue of lying words and their association with vanity. In Ephesians 4:25 , the Apostle Paul exhorts believers, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This instruction emphasizes the importance of truthfulness within the Christian community, contrasting the vanity of lies with the edifying power of truth.

Furthermore, in James 1:26 , the apostle warns, "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless." Here, the vanity of lying words is linked to self-deception and the futility of a faith that lacks genuine expression through speech and action.

Throughout Scripture, lying words are consistently portrayed as vain, leading to deception, false security, and ultimately, spiritual emptiness. The biblical narrative calls believers to reject falsehood and embrace truth, recognizing that only in alignment with God's word and will can one find true meaning and fulfillment.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 7:8
Behold, you trust in lying words, that cannot profit.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

'Lying Vanities'
... All is vanity,' but in putting it into the lips of a king who had won all he sought.
The sorceress draws us within her charmed circle by lying words and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/lying vanities.htm

Chastisements.
... high position to gain access to the sick chamber, has been conspicuous by his lying
words of condolence: "If he come to see me he speaketh vanity." The sight ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xiv chastisements.htm

Psalm V.
... Whence men are called back by that voice, "Wherefore do ye love vanity, and seek
a ... they take in to themselves dead men, whom having slain by lying words and a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm v.htm

If You Wish Me to Keep Silence, Cease from Accusing Me. Lay Down ...
... a lying tongue followeth vanity, and shall come into the snares of death. [3240]
Say thou nought in the ear of a fool, lest haply the wise mock at thy words. ...
/.../43 if you wish me.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke vii. 37, "And Behold, a Woman who ...
... that thou shouldest fix the charge of lying on Him ... Shall we go against the words
of the Lord, "To ... I represented to them this most wretched vanity, when there ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xlix on the words.htm

Inevitable Nemesis
... melted all to tears by the simple words, 'God alone ... He was lying under the altar,
a pitiable spectacle ... Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; vanity of vanities ...
/.../chapter xxviii inevitable nemesis.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... rule which prescribeth truth in all our words; rendering us ... error, a foul and
ill-favoured brood: lying, I say ... which proceed from malice or from vanity, or from ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

On Incorporeal and Corporeal Beings.
... The following are his words: "The stars also are not ... formed along with his body,
who, while lying in his ... The creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter vii on incorporeal and corporeal.htm

Remembering How Far the Writer of Our Book Excels all who have ...
... with the solemn, silent, unknown "beyond" lying before him ... than all mere longing,
which is vanity and the ... What use, then, in many words (not things) since they ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter vi remembering how far.htm

Messiah's Easy Yoke
... Moral philosophers, as they are called, abound in fine words and plausible speeches ...
and the state of the world as subject to vanity, and lying in wickedness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xv messiahs easy yoke.htm