Topical Encyclopedia In the Scriptures, the concept of vanity is often associated with the futility and emptiness of human endeavors apart from God. The wicked, in their rebellion and pride, frequently regard the service of God as vain and meaningless. This attitude is a reflection of their spiritual blindness and moral corruption.The prophet Malachi addresses this issue directly, highlighting the disdain of the wicked towards serving God. In Malachi 3:14 , the people are quoted as saying, "It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts?" This rhetorical question reveals their perception that obedience to God yields no tangible benefits, thus deeming it worthless. This sentiment is echoed in the Psalms, where the psalmist observes the prosperity of the wicked and their dismissive attitude towards God. Psalm 73:11-12 states, "The wicked say, 'How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?' Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth." Here, the wicked question God's omniscience and justice, further illustrating their belief that serving God is in vain since they perceive no immediate consequences for their actions. The book of Job also touches on this theme. Job's friends, representing conventional wisdom, suggest that piety should lead to prosperity. However, Job challenges this notion, pointing out that the wicked often thrive despite their disregard for God. In Job 21:14-15 , the wicked declare, "They say to God, 'Depart from us, for we have no desire to know Your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?'" This passage underscores their belief that there is no advantage in acknowledging or serving God. The New Testament continues this theme, with the Apostle Paul warning against the futility of a life lived apart from God. In Romans 1:21 , Paul describes how the wicked, "although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." This futility is a direct result of their rejection of God's truth and their subsequent moral decay. Throughout Scripture, the wicked's view of God's service as vanity is consistently portrayed as a grave error. Their short-sightedness and self-centeredness blind them to the eternal significance and ultimate fulfillment found in serving the Lord. This perspective serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to recognize the true value of a life devoted to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 21:15What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray to him? Torrey's Topical Textbook Malachi 3:14 Library An Appendix to the Beatitudes Written from Rome part ii Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Letter xix (AD 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis A Kingdom's Epitaph The Fourth Commandment Instruction for the Ignorant: The First Last, and the Last First 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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