Is It True that All Is Vanity?: Clarence L. Haynes Jr; Contributing Writer; UPDATED; July 29, 2022
Is It True that All Is Vanity?
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem:
“‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher;
‘vanity of vanities, all is vanity.’” (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 NKJV)
The book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon,
the wisest man who ever lived, opens and closes with this verse about vanity.
He says, as you can see, that all is vanity.
We are going to explore what that means.
As you read along, ask yourself this question:
is it true that all is vanity?
What Does Vanity Mean?
When most people think about vanity, they usually think about pride, arrogance, or being self-centered.
While those definitions are accurate, this is not the focus of the word used here.
In this case, the Hebrew word used is “hebel,” which literally means vapor or breath, but it also has different meanings depending on the context.
This is how we get from vapor or breath to vanity in this verse.
Here is what New American Commentary author Duane Garrett wrote about this word:
“Indeed, the very meaning of this verse is itself a mystery.
The word used here, hebel, means “vapor” or “breath” and is used in Isa. 57:13 parallel with “wind” and in Prov. 21:6 for “a fleeting vapor.”
The word can thus combine the notions of being insubstantial and transitory, as in Ps. 144:4, “Man is like a breath.”
In this sense the English word that best approximates the meaning of this word is “vapid.”
The Hebrew word is also used in Zech. 10:2 (“in vain”), which says that idols give vapid comfort;
that is, the comfort is empty, fleeting, and therefore a lie.”
He later summed up a definition of this word which I believe captures the meaning of vanity in this context.
“Everything is transitory and therefore of no lasting value.
People are caught in the trap of the absurd and pursue empty pleasures.
They build their lives on lies.”[1]
As we move forward, this will be our definition of vanity.
Why Would Solomon Say All is Vanity?
Solomon represents an enigma because he was the wisest man in the world and, simultaneously, one of the most foolish men in the world.
Understanding his life, you will see how he is qualified to make the statement all is vanity.
Let me explain.
The Wisdom of Solomon
In 1 Kings 3, God told Solomon to ask him for anything he wanted.
He effectively gave him a blank check and said, “write in any amount you want.”
Solomon asked for wisdom.
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.
For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:9)
Solomon recognized the position he was in as king, and he requested wisdom from God so he could govern.
God, in turn, honored his request and made him the wisest man who ever lived.
“I will do what you have asked.
I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.” (1 Kings 3:12)
In addition to his wisdom, God gave Solomon wealth and honor unmatched by any king of his time (possibly of all time).
People came from all around to hear from him, to partake of his great wisdom.
His wisdom helped him understand that all is vanity.
He not only had wisdom but wealth and honor, which many people strive for in this life.
Do you know people striving to get more wealth, position, recognition, or even fame?
Solomon had all of that, yet his wisdom led him to call the pursuit of these things vanity.