Topical Bible: Man: Called: Vain Man

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Scriptures, the term "vain man" is used to describe individuals who are characterized by futility, emptiness, and a lack of substance in their pursuits and character. This concept is often associated with the broader biblical theme of human vanity and the transient nature of earthly life and achievements.

Biblical References:

1. Job 11:12 : "But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man." This verse highlights the inherent folly and lack of understanding in a "vain man," comparing him to a wild animal that cannot change its nature. The imagery underscores the futility of human efforts apart from divine wisdom.

2. Psalm 39:5-6 : "Behold, You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before You. Truly, each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah. Surely every man walks in futility; like a phantom he bustles about, in vain he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will gather it." These verses reflect on the brevity and insubstantiality of human life, emphasizing that even at his best, man is but a breath, and his pursuits are often in vain.

3. Ecclesiastes 1:2 : "Futility of futilities, says the Teacher, futility of futilities! Everything is futile!" The book of Ecclesiastes frequently addresses the theme of vanity, with the Teacher (traditionally understood as Solomon) lamenting the emptiness of human endeavors without God. This refrain sets the tone for the exploration of life's meaning and the ultimate futility of worldly pursuits.

4. James 4:14 : "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This New Testament passage echoes the Old Testament sentiment, reminding believers of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of seeking God's will rather than relying on human plans.

Theological Implications:

The concept of the "vain man" serves as a cautionary reminder of the limitations of human wisdom and the dangers of pride and self-reliance. In the biblical worldview, true wisdom and fulfillment are found in acknowledging one's dependence on God and aligning one's life with His purposes. The Scriptures consistently call individuals to recognize the futility of earthly pursuits apart from God and to seek eternal values and divine guidance.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to examine their lives for areas where vanity and self-centeredness may have taken root. The call to humility and reliance on God is central to overcoming the emptiness associated with being a "vain man." By prioritizing spiritual growth, service to others, and a relationship with God, individuals can transcend the futility of worldly pursuits and find lasting significance and purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 11:12
For vain men would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 2:20
But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Does the Body Cause the Soul to Sin?
... it: we would blame him for labouring in vain; and should ... But, in truth, He has even
called the flesh to the ... For where He promises to save man, there He gives ...
/.../chapter viii does the body cause.htm

The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and ...
... But all was in vain. ... should be buried in wrappings' (Takhrikhin), or as they
significantly called it, the ... [2649] For, from the funeral oration a man's fate in ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xx the raising of.htm

The Preacher as a Man of God.
... the future prophet was transported to some imaginary place which he called by this
name ... life with God; unless God has first spoken to a man, it is vain for a ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture ii the preacher as.htm

Of Four Kinds of Fever Wherewith a Man May be Tormented
... It is called fickleness. ... And this is both a vain curiosity and a fickleness, which
hinder and impede a man from comprehending inward truth, and ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter xxxii of four kinds.htm

What is Man?
... conscious to myself of one more property, commonly called liberty ... whole and sole
end, for which every man upon the ... All this is "walking in a vain shadow;" it is ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 109 what is man.htm

Ephesians iv. 17
... of head, softness of flesh, feverishness, enervation; for as a man who shall ... But
again, that is called "vain," which is expected indeed to contain something ...
/.../homily xii ephesians iv 17.htm

Prayer Takes in the Whole Man
... What shall I ask for at this hour?" All vain and evil ... on every part of our Lord's
nature, which called forth all ... This was praying which took in the entire man. ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/i prayer takes in the.htm

"If So be that the Spirit of God Dwell in You. Now if any Man have ...
... sound of the name whereby you are called, imports another ... is the fall of the soul
of man, as of ... beastly lusts, all earthly desires, all vain cogitations get ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiv if so be.htm

Man's Own Character no Ground of Peace
... It is vain to struggle or murmur against God's ... He fixed the night; called his neighbors;
and prepared ... Very clear is God's testimony against man, and man's ...
/.../bonar/gods way of peace/chapter ii mans own character.htm

Its Evidence
... Ye see then how that by works a man is justified ... who rested in a notion which they
called "faith," accounting ... The Apostle shows their hope was a vain one, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/9 its evidence.htm