“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.”
–Ecclesiastes 1:2
Does the reader believe that the greatest happiness comes from his accomplishments and the things he accumulates in this world?
King Solomon–who was VERY wise–wrote the Book of Ecclesiastes to declare that all of the things men work for; all which men consider most important; all which men obsess over: they are all VANITY.
“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.”
–1KINGS 4:29-31
The meaning of “vanity” in God Word is one that suggests “less than trivial” or “meaning nothing.”
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon considers all of the things man might value highly and declares that they are all “vanity.”
In fact, Solomon could find NOTHING about this present life of any great value.
“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.”
–Ecclesiastes 1:14
This world ULTIMATELY means NOTHING.
At the end of the day, this world is VANITY–and little else. Which is one of the primary reasons Satan and his workers of iniquity work SO HARD to get man to focus on this world and the things of the world.
King Solomon was known throughout the world for both his great riches and wealth AND his great wisdom. He considers both of these.
First, wisdom.
“And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.”
Then, he considers riches (which many men will spend their whole lives chasing).
“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.”
–Ecclesiastes 5:10
One thing Solomon notices: no matter how much some men have, it is NEVER enough.
“All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.”
–Ecclesiastes 6:7
While on the theme of “vanity,” Solomon adds a few assorted thoughts on the topic.
“Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.”
–Ecclesiastes 11:10
“And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.”
–Ecclesiastes 12:12
ALL that is in the world is vanity. Only those things which TRULY stand the test of time (eternity) are worthwhile.
The man who places great faith and value upon the things of this world will be SORELY disappointed at the end of his days: this is one of the main messages in Ecclesiastes.
In the pages of Ecclesiastes, Solomon calls himself the “preacher.”
“Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.”
DOES the reader live his life by “keeping his eyes on the prize“?
DOES the reader ever wonder why he is urged so frequently to “focus” or to “concentrate“–most usually on something of the world?
It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.
DOES the reader believe he is saved?
Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival
DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?
Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: Making a Choice
- The Gospel of Jesus Christ
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: The Power of God Unto Salvation
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: The End Times Power of God Unleashed
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-8
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16
MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report
[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: October 16-18, 2020.]
MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report
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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier
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