Vanity is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Scripture warns against vanity and pride, which are closely related sins. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages that address vanity:
Vanity of earthly treasures and pleasures
The book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon, contains many reflections on the vanity of earthly life and pursuits apart from God. Solomon had immense wealth and power, but realized these things were meaningless without a right relationship with God.
“Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11)
“So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:9-11)
Solomon realized that wealth, pleasure, and accomplishments apart from God are meaningless in the end.
Vanity of human wisdom
1 Corinthians 3:19-20 also speaks to the vanity of human wisdom apart from God:
“For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.””
Proverbs 21:30 also says:
“No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord.”
Secular human reasoning alone cannot fully comprehend or go against God’s purposes. Any wisdom apart from God is limited.
Vanity of human strength and beauty
Physical strength and outward beauty also prove vain when not paired with godly character. 1 Samuel 16:7 says:
“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.””
Proverbs 31:30 also observes:
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
While strengths like intelligence and beauty are gifts from God, they become vanity if prized above one’s relationship with God. Inner godly virtue is more important than outward qualities.
Vanity of idols and false gods
Idolatry is called out in Scripture as the epitome of human vanity. Fashioning gods of wood, metal or stone reflects the vain imaginings of humans. Idols cannot save, only the true God can.
“Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.” (Psalm 115:4-8)
“All the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens.” (Psalm 96:5)
The vanity of idols is contrasted with the glory and power of the one true God who created all things.
Warnings against vanity, pride and arrogance
In addition to denouncing the vanity of specific things, the Bible issues general warnings against vanity, pride and arrogance:
“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” (Romans 12:3)
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6; see also Proverbs 3:34)
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace . . . For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:7-10,17)
Peter encourages humility and service to others rather than pride. Judgment comes to those who disobey God through vanity and arrogance.
Antidote to vanity: Fear of God
The antidote to vanity, according to Scripture, is cultivating a right fear and reverence for God:
“The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4)
“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
Knowing God relationally helps overcome vanity, by recognizing He alone is worthy of praise. Fearing and revering God brings true wisdom and fulfillment.
Jesus’s rebukes of vanity
Jesus strongly cautioned against vanity and outward shows of religion masking inward sin:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:25-28)
The religious elites appeared righteous outwardly through vain show and tradition, but inwardly harbored sin and self-righteousness. Jesus exposed this vanity.
Avoiding vanity through humility and wisdom
The book of Proverbs and other wisdom literature repeatedly advise humility over pride and vanity:
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:7)
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2)
“Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.” (Proverbs 3:34)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9:10)
Wisdom literature treats pride as foolishness that often precedes one’s downfall. Humility and fear of the Lord are marks of true wisdom and reverence.
Putting off vanity and putting on Christ-like humility
Several New Testament passages instruct believers to “put off” vain and prideful ways and instead “put on” Christ-like humility and service:
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience . . .” (Colossians 3:12)
“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”” (1 Peter 5:5)
Humility should mark believers, just as it characterized Christ who humbled himself even unto death (Philippians 2:8).
Heavenly reward for those who avoid vanity
Jesus promises that those who humble themselves will be exalted by God in eternity:
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11; see also Matthew 23:12)
Avoiding vanity and pride is rewarded with eternal blessing. Believers can look forward to this future exaltation in God’s kingdom.
Conclusion
In summary, Scripture consistently condemns vanity, pride, and arrogance as sinful. All worldly pleasures and accomplishments apart from God prove meaningless. Instead believers are called to cultivate humility, fear God, find wisdom in Christ, and serve others. Eternal reward awaits those who avoid vanity and walk in godly humility.