Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "vanity" often refers to the futility, emptiness, or worthlessness of human endeavors apart from God. It is a recurring theme in Scripture, particularly in the wisdom literature, where it underscores the transient and often deceptive nature of worldly pursuits and human pride. The wicked, in their speech, frequently embody this concept of vanity, as their words are marked by deceit, arrogance, and a lack of true substance.Biblical References: 1. Psalm 12:2 : "They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart." This verse highlights the vanity in the speech of the wicked, characterized by deceit and insincerity. Their words are empty, lacking the truth and integrity that should define righteous communication. 2. Psalm 41:6 : "When someone comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it abroad." Here, the vanity of the wicked is evident in their false and malicious speech. Their words are not only empty but also harmful, as they spread slander and discord. 3. Proverbs 10:18 : "The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This proverb associates vanity with foolishness, as the wicked use their speech to conceal true intentions and spread falsehoods. Their words are devoid of wisdom and truth, reflecting the emptiness of their hearts. 4. Ecclesiastes 5:7 : "For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity. Therefore, fear God." In this passage, the Preacher warns against the proliferation of empty words, which are often a hallmark of the wicked. The emphasis is on the futility of speech that is not grounded in the fear of God, highlighting the vanity inherent in such communication. 5. Jeremiah 9:8 : "Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully. With his mouth each speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets an ambush." The prophet Jeremiah describes the vanity of the wicked's speech as deceitful and treacherous. Their words are like weapons, used to manipulate and harm rather than to edify and build up. Theological Implications: The speech of the wicked, as depicted in these passages, serves as a stark reminder of the moral and spiritual decay that accompanies a life apart from God. Their words, filled with vanity, reflect a heart that is distant from divine truth and wisdom. In contrast, Scripture calls believers to speak with integrity, truth, and love, embodying the character of Christ in their communication. The vanity of the wicked's speech is not merely a matter of empty words but is indicative of a deeper spiritual void. It serves as a cautionary tale for the faithful, urging them to guard their hearts and tongues, ensuring that their words align with the truth and righteousness of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 10:7His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 12:2 Psalm 41:6 Library Of Man's Turning to God; and what Helps and what Lets his Turning. The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... Psalm CXLIV. Fourth Sunday after Trinity Consolation in Suffering, and Patience ... That God is to be Loved and Worshipped in Diseases: and Also of ... Motives from the Necessities of the Work The Spirit and the Flesh The Silence of Faith. That we Should Seek the Verdict of Our Conscience in Every ... Resources What does the Bible say about vanity? | GotQuestions.orgWhen 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 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 |