All Is Vanity
King Solomon, who identifies himself as “the Preacher” in the book of Ecclesiastes, begins this book with these words: “…vanity of vanities! All is vanity,” (v.2)- The word “vanity” does not mean self-idolatry or self-admiration in this context, but rather, useless, empty or worthless. Solomon was not trying to be cynical about life, but was seeking to understand the meaning of life. 33 times the preacher uses the word, “vanity”, to express life’s emptiness without God. Another expression often repeated in this book is: “under the sun,” (29xs). This is to distinguish that which is connected to this earth and limited by time from the eternal and heavenly.
Solomon’s seeking after truth leads him to experiment all of life’s pleasures and ambitions. He achieved fame for his wisdom and knowledge, built a great temple and many other public works, was the richest man in the world, had over 1000 wives and concubines, and was the most powerful king of his day. He achieved what every man only dreams of becoming, yet he saw it as all useless and the “striving after wind,” (1.14). He found that even though many things on earth have a temporary value and are not evil in themselves, when compared to eternity, they are “vanity”, (useless).
The conclusion of, “all is vanity”, is not to make everything seem hopeless, but rather to show that we will never be truly fulfilled or satisfied by the things of this life. We live in a fallen world, and until the Lord comes back, it cannot be fixed. We can give life our best try, but it all is like a puff of smoke – vanity.
There was a time when I was reading several books a week. I so desired to acquire knowledge and wisdom, thus I dedicated much time to studying. Then one day I read the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes: “the making of many books is endless, and much study is a weariness of the flesh,” (v.13). This verse hit me between the eyes. Solomon said that wisdom comes from one source, “one Shepherd,” (v.11). Knowledge puffs up, but wisdom builds up. To escape the “vanities” or emptiness of life, we must come to know the creator of life. To know God is to love Him.
So many activities can distract us from the most important of all pursuits. I pray that at the end of your life there will be no regrets. I pray that you will have come to know the Lord as your Savior and Friend and will have fulfilled His purpose for your life. All else is vanity and the striving after wind.
Scriptures to meditate on:
Ecclesiastes 12:9-13; Psalms 39:5-6; 62:9