Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, "vanity" often refers to the futility and emptiness of human endeavors apart from God. The term is frequently associated with the actions and attitudes of the wicked, who pursue paths that ultimately lead to nothingness and destruction. The concept of vanity is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the transient nature of worldly pursuits and the folly of living without regard for divine wisdom.Scriptural References: 1. Psalm 26:4 · "I do not sit with deceitful men, nor keep company with hypocrites." This verse underscores the psalmist's commitment to avoiding the company of those who walk in vanity. The deceitful and hypocritical are often characterized by their pursuit of empty and self-serving goals, contrasting with the righteous who seek God's truth. 2. Psalm 119:37 · "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word." Here, the psalmist prays for deliverance from vanity, recognizing the allure of worthless pursuits. The wicked are often ensnared by such distractions, leading them away from the life-giving truth of God's Word. 3. 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." Solomon, in his wisdom, observes the futility of human efforts apart from God. The wicked, in their pursuit of worldly success and pleasure, engage in activities that are ultimately meaningless, akin to chasing the wind. 4. Proverbs 12:11 · "He who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment." This proverb contrasts the diligent with those who pursue vanity. The wicked, in their lack of judgment, chase after fantasies and empty dreams, neglecting the productive and God-honoring path. 5. Isaiah 59:4 · "No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty arguments and speak lies; they conceive trouble and give birth to iniquity." The prophet Isaiah describes the wicked as those who walk in vanity, relying on empty arguments and deceit. Their actions are devoid of truth and justice, leading to further iniquity. 6. Jeremiah 2:5 · "This is what the LORD says: 'What fault did your fathers find in Me that they strayed so far from Me? They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves.'" The wicked are depicted as those who follow vanity, represented by worthless idols. In turning away from God, they become as empty as the objects of their worship. Theological Implications: The wicked's walk in vanity is a recurring theme in Scripture, serving as a cautionary tale for believers. It highlights the dangers of pursuing life apart from God's guidance and the ultimate emptiness of such a path. The Bible consistently calls the faithful to reject vanity and embrace a life centered on God's eternal truths. Through the lens of Scripture, vanity is not merely a personal failing but a spiritual condition that leads individuals away from the fullness of life found in God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 39:6Surely every man walks in a vain show: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heaps up riches, and knows not who shall gather them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 4:17 Library The Wicked Man's Life, Funeral, and Epitaph "Who Walk not after the Flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that ... "There is Therefore Now no Condemnation to them which are in ... Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... "If we Say that we have Fellowship with Him, and Walk in Darkness ... Fourth Sunday after Trinity Redemption of the Creatures. The Anglican Catechism. AD 1549, 1662. Sermon. The Spirit and the Flesh Written from Rome 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 |
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