Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical teachings, "vanity" often refers to the futility and emptiness of pursuits that are devoid of God’s purpose and righteousness. The love of the wicked, as depicted in Scripture, is frequently characterized by such vanity, as it is rooted in self-interest, pride, and temporal desires rather than in the eternal truths of God.Biblical References: 1. Ecclesiastes 1:14 : "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and indeed, all is vanity and a chasing after the wind." This verse highlights the overarching theme of vanity in human endeavors, including the pursuits of the wicked. The love of the wicked is often self-serving and ultimately unfulfilling, as it is disconnected from the divine purpose. 2. Proverbs 21:4 : "Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the guides of the wicked—are sin." The love of the wicked is frequently driven by pride and arrogance, which are considered sinful. Such love is vain because it elevates self above others and above God, leading to moral and spiritual emptiness. 3. Psalm 94:11 : "The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile." The wicked, in their love and desires, often engage in thoughts and actions that are ultimately futile. Their love is not grounded in the wisdom and knowledge of God, rendering it vain and purposeless. 4. 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." The love of the wicked is often tied to idolatry and false securities, which are vain and powerless in the face of divine judgment. 5. Romans 1:21-22 : "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools." The love of the wicked is marked by a rejection of God, leading to futile thinking and foolishness. Their pursuits, including their expressions of love, are vain because they lack the foundation of true wisdom and understanding. The Nature of Wicked Love: The love of the wicked is often characterized by its transient and superficial nature. It is a love that seeks personal gratification and worldly gain, rather than the selfless and sacrificial love that God calls His followers to embody. This love is vain because it is not rooted in the eternal and unchanging nature of God’s love, which is the ultimate standard for all relationships. Consequences of Vain Love: The Scriptures warn of the consequences of pursuing vain love. Such love leads to spiritual emptiness, broken relationships, and ultimately, separation from God. The wicked, in their pursuit of vanity, miss the profound and fulfilling love that comes from a relationship with God, which is the only love that truly satisfies and endures. In summary, the love of the wicked, as depicted in the Bible, is a manifestation of vanity. It is a love that is self-centered, fleeting, and ultimately devoid of the true purpose and fulfillment found in God. The Scriptures call believers to reject such vain pursuits and to embrace the love that is rooted in the truth and righteousness of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 4:2O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? how long will you love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Desire of a Lover after God is Shown: and the Cursed Love of ... Of Man's Turning to God; and what Helps and what Lets his Turning. Wherefore it is Better to Take Entent to the Love of God than to ... The Difference Betwixt God's Lovers and the World's: and their ... Of the Judgment and Punishment of the Wicked Of the Stink of Lechery and the Peril of Touching: and of the ... The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph The Twenty-Seventh Chapter: Self-Love is the Greatest Hindrance to ... The Fire of Love The Twentieth Chapter: the Love of Solitude and Silence 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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