In the biblical context, "vanity" often refers to the futility and emptiness of human endeavors apart from God. The wicked, in particular, are frequently characterized by their pursuit of vanity, which manifests in various forms of pride, idolatry, and self-deception. This entry explores how the Scriptures describe the vanity of the wicked, drawing from the Berean Standard Bible for illustrative passages.

1. Pride and Arrogance: The wicked are often marked by an inflated sense of self-importance and pride, which is ultimately vain. In Psalm 10:4 , it is written, "In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God." This verse highlights the self-reliance and arrogance of the wicked, who dismiss the need for God, considering themselves sufficient.

2. Idolatry and False Worship: Vanity is also evident in the wicked's pursuit of idols and false gods, which are powerless and empty. Jeremiah 10:14 states, "Every man is senseless and devoid of knowledge; every goldsmith is put to shame by his idols, for his molten images are a lie, and there is no breath in them." The wicked invest in what is ultimately worthless, demonstrating the futility of their pursuits.

3. Deceptive Riches and Materialism: The wicked often chase after wealth and material possessions, believing these will bring satisfaction. However, Proverbs 11:28 warns, "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage." The pursuit of wealth without regard for righteousness is vain and leads to downfall.

4. Empty Words and Deceit: Vanity is also seen in the deceitful and empty words of the wicked. Psalm 12:2 describes, "They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart." The wicked use words to manipulate and deceive, but their speech is ultimately hollow and untrustworthy.

5. Temporal Focus and Earthly Concerns: The wicked are often preoccupied with temporal matters, neglecting eternal truths. Ecclesiastes 1:14 reflects on this, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and a chasing after the wind." The focus on earthly achievements and pleasures is ultimately futile without a foundation in God.

6. Rejection of Wisdom and Instruction: The wicked's disdain for wisdom and correction is another aspect of their vanity. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." By rejecting divine wisdom, the wicked embrace a path of folly and emptiness.

7. Self-Deception and False Security: The wicked often deceive themselves into a false sense of security, believing they are beyond judgment. Obadiah 1:3 warns, "The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, whose habitation is high, who say in your heart, 'Who can bring me down to the ground?'" This self-deception is a hallmark of their vanity, as they fail to recognize their vulnerability before God.

In summary, the wicked are characterized by various forms of vanity, including pride, idolatry, materialism, deceit, and a focus on the temporal. These pursuits are ultimately empty and futile, as they are devoid of the eternal perspective and truth found in a relationship with God.Job 11:11
For he knows vain men: he sees wickedness also; will he not then consider it?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Second Commandment
... or how soon we may be drawn to vanity, if God ... Let us avoid all sin, especially this
of idolatry, or image ... Let the wicked forsake his way, and let him return ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 2 the second commandment.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... of vain-glory and of flattered vanity when he ... to prevent the recurrence of such wicked
plots, Pharaoh ... chiefs of Ethiopian, Asiatic, and especially of Libyan ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... observed, such is our proneness to vanity and presumption ... name is profaned with vain
and wicked abuse, because ... But the Commandment refers especially to the case ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

The Situation after the Council of Nic??a.
... manner Origen quaintly notes that only wicked men are ... the body, ie is subjected to
vanity' in common ... hand, very many of Origen's pupils, especially among the ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/section 3 2 the situation.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... I have been sorely afflicted since my husband's departure from me; but especially
since he ... Nor is the danger that he met with at Vanity Fair to be forgotten by ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

part ii
... earthly trifles or with earthly vanity, with earthly ... everyone who comes to you,
especially with a ... principled children, forgive their wicked, capricious, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

What does the Bible say about vanity? | GotQuestions.org

When does hygiene cross the line and become vanity? | GotQuestions.org

Summary of the Book of Ecclesiastes - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

Vanity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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