Vanity of Vanities, NOT All is Vanity (Thursday, Week 25, Year 2)

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The Book of Ecclesiastes or Qoheleth is a wisdom book of the Jews which asks a basic question: What is the value of life? The writer must be someone who had deeply reflected on life and seen that most of the things that man labors and “kills” himself for in life are all vanities. The value of life is not in material things; not in positions or power; not in the number of cars or houses we have. As the writer says, “Vanity of vanities, all of those things is vanity” (cf. Eccl. 1:2). 

I could remember a certain time in history when everyone longed to have a bicycle. Today, who cares to own one? Some time in history, people so much admired a Volkswagen Bettle. Today, it has almost become a scrap. I could remember when Nokia 3310, Samsung R220, Bird 12X and other phones of that nature were the cynosures of all eyes. Then, people could do ANYTHING to have such phones. But today, it is very shameful to carry one around. This addresses the main question: What then is the value of life? Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.

In our quest for power and the material things of life, sometimes we lack the wisdom of heart to know that what really matters in our life is God; our relationship with God. And that is why the Psalmist is singing: “O Lord, you are our refuge, from generation to generation”. Every material thing in life including our physical life is like grass which sprouts in the morning and withers in the evening. Everything is passing away; but God endures forever. May God help us to number our days that we may gain wisdom of heart!

Herod lacked the wisdom of heart as he became intoxicated with power and fame. Trying to save his reputation, he murdered John the Baptist. He lacked the wisdom to know that everything is passing away, even the reputation he was trying to save. Still driven by ambition, fame and power, he began to see Jesus as a threat. And that is why he sought to see him (cf. Luke 9:7-9). He did not want to see him because he admired him or because he wanted to listen to his message and repent. He was trying to see him for vain reasons.

“Everything is vanity” says the preacher. But if we labor for God and work for the good of our neighbour, it is not a vanity. Let us use all that we have to add value to people’s lives. Before God, it is always a meaningful and fruitful venture.       


 

Comments

  1. Unknown24 September 2020 at 06:27

    May God grant us wisdom to live our lives well. Amen.

    ReplyDelete

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