The Encourager
“All is Vanity - by Jeff Curtis”
“All is Vanity”
By Jeff Curtis
When Solomon wrote that “all is vanity,” he was describing a condition of life without substance of essence. He said nothing has lasting value. This is a really bleak view of life. Is there nothing that we have or do that is meaningful? The point Solomon is making teaches us two truths.
Much in this world is of no value. Our priorities can get out of balance. We major in minors. We “strain out a gnat and swallow a camel” (Matthew 23:24). How hard is it for men to discover what is really important. Lifetimes have been spent in building empires, amassing great piles of money and receiving the praise of men. “Vanity!” Solomon replied, in effect. “It is all vanity!” Why? Is all that hard work not worth something? Does the accumulate wealth not count for as a testimony for one’s greatness? “No,” said the Preacher. These are merely examples of misplaced priorities.
Only God can define and determine what is valuable. We need to remember that God sees the eternal. He knows that the earthly priorities can often distract us from the eternal. He knows that wealth (Luke 12:13-21), family (Matthew 10:37), or lust and pride (1John 2:15-17) can keep us from salvation.
We are unable to distinguish between the valuable and vain without divine guidance. What did God declare to be valuable? The ending of Ecclesiastes tells us: “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, KJV). Out of all that a person can do in this life, fearing God and keeping His commandments are the principle of existence.
Nobody wants to feel like a failure. So, it is crucial for each of us to prioritize our lives, our loves, and our interests. We have to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). If we don’t do this, then Solomon’s summary will be correct. Our lives will be “vanity.” If we put God first, however, our lives can be summarized with these words; “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
