The Teacher of Precepts.                     

 

“Vanity of vanities, the ultimate absurdity of utter emptiness”

 

The word vanity means “breathe” or “vapor” and for me these words encapsulate how quickly life is passing, in fact, life is like a vapor.

In Ecclesiastes, chapter one, verse 4 it states, “One generation goes and another generation comes.” Verse 8 intensifies my awareness of the vapor of this life. In stating, “All things are wearisome and all words are frail: man cannot express it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing nor is the ear filled with hearing. That which has been is that which will be again. So there is nothing new under the sun. “Is there anything of which it can be said, “See this this, it is new under the sun “

Ancient Wisdom tells us this is not in the literal. The man on the moon, the computer, the robot the continual striving of man to improve and invent excellence and things that improve out short time here on earth, it relates more to the God given design that man excels for he is made to co create with God for he is created in his image, nevertheless any attempt to slow the futile and quickly volatile passing of life is ludicrous.

Solomon goes on to talk of the futility of pleasure and possession, and as one of the richest men who ever lived it is adequate to say he has some inside information on the subject, however, he ends his thoughts in Chapter 2 verse 11 with these words.” Then I considered all which my hands had done and labored to do, and behold all was vanity and chasing after the wind and there was no profit nothing of lasting value under the sun”. Mathew 16, 26 states it with a little more succinctness.” For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, wealth fame, success but forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Faith Hope and Love shall never pass away and we get great encouragement verse2 verse26. “For the person who pleases Him God gives wisdom, knowledge and joy” In chapter 3 verse 14 breeds more hope I know that whatever God does, it endures forever; nothing can be added to nor can anything be taken from it for God does it so that men will fear and worship Him with awe-filled reverence know that He is God. Psalm 19; 8 gives the cure for the utter emptiness. “How can a young man or woman keep his way pure? By keeping watch on himself according to your Word conforming his life to your Precepts. In James 1:17 the cure for satisfaction and joy are revealed, “ Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of light the Creator of Sustainer of the heavens in whom there is no variation no rising  or setting  or shadow cast by His turning for He is perfect and never changes.

God Wisdom never fails, to escape utter emptiness and the vain pursuit of the vanity of a quickly passing life, seek out Gods Precepts and live in His fulfillment and His divine purpose for our lives.

And in closing with these words of encouragement to my soul.  Ecclesiastes 12 8. “Vanity of vanities.” Says the Teacher. All that is done without Gods guidance is vanity and futility. This answer once again gives me hope in such times of turmoil and uncertainty.

​

 

Written by Karynn Dawn Pensanti