32 Bible Verses About Vanity (With Commentary)

Vanity is often described as an excessive pride in or admiration of one’s own appearance or achievements. The Bible offers numerous teachings about the futility and emptiness of vanity, warning believers against placing value on earthly things that are temporary and meaningless in comparison to eternal, spiritual truths. The following verses provide wisdom and reflection on the dangers of vanity.

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Bible Verses About Vanity

Ecclesiastes 1:2

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. Vanity of vanities! All [that is done without God’s guidance] is vanity (futility, meaningless—a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes, merely chasing the wind).”

Commentary: This opening verse from Ecclesiastes sets the tone for the entire book. The Preacher laments the futility of life without God. The phrase “vanity of vanities” emphasizes how everything in life becomes meaningless when God is not the central focus. It’s a reminder to believers that without divine guidance, our pursuits are fleeting and ultimately empty.

Ecclesiastes 2:11

“Then I considered all which my hands had done and the labor I had exerted, and behold, all was vanity and chasing after the wind, and there was no profit under the sun.”

Commentary: This verse expresses a deep reflection on human effort and achievement. The writer recognizes that even after working hard and achieving much, without God, it all amounts to nothing. True fulfillment cannot be found in wealth, accomplishments, or material possessions but only in a relationship with God.

Proverbs 31:30

“Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.”

Commentary: This verse emphasizes the fleeting nature of physical beauty and charm, underscoring the importance of godliness. A life lived in reverence to God is far more valuable than external appearances. True beauty lies in one’s character, faith, and fear of the Lord.

Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Commentary: Jesus warns against placing value on worldly wealth and possessions, which are temporary and vulnerable to loss. Instead, believers are encouraged to invest in eternal treasures—spiritual riches that cannot be taken away. This verse challenges us to examine where our hearts are truly focused.

Isaiah 40:6-8

“A voice says, ‘Call out.’ Then he answered, ‘What shall I call out?’ All humanity is [as frail as] grass, and all that makes it attractive [its charm, its loveliness] is [momentary] like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; most certainly [all] the people are [like] grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Commentary: This passage from Isaiah compares human life and achievements to grass and flowers that quickly fade. Vanity, in this context, is the pursuit of fleeting things. The only thing that lasts is the word of God, offering a sobering reminder of the impermanence of earthly pursuits compared to God’s eternal truth.

Psalm 39:5-6

“Behold, You have made my days as [short as] hand widths, and my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight. Surely every man at his best is a mere breath, a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes! Selah [pause and calmly think of that]! Surely every man walks around like a shadow [in a charade]; surely they make an uproar for nothing; each one builds up riches, not knowing who will receive them.”

Commentary: David reflects on the brevity of life and the futility of human efforts without God. Life, as he describes it, is like a fleeting vapor. People toil to accumulate wealth and achieve greatness, but these efforts are ultimately in vain if not centered on God’s purposes. The verse urges humility and a focus on eternal things rather than transient achievements.

James 4:14

“Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. What is secure in your life? You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes into thin air.”

Commentary: James points out the uncertainty and brevity of human life. Vanity is reflected in our presumptions about tomorrow and our reliance on ourselves rather than God. Our lives, as fragile as vapor, are entirely dependent on God’s will, and we are reminded to live with a sense of urgency for His kingdom rather than worldly gain.

1 John 2:16

“For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world.”

Commentary: This verse warns against the temptations of the world, which feed into vanity and pride. Lust, materialism, and the desire for status and recognition are distractions from God’s will. True fulfillment comes from seeking God rather than indulging in temporary worldly pleasures and desires.

Galatians 6:3

“For if anyone thinks he is something [special], when in fact he is nothing [special except in his own eyes], he deceives himself.”

Commentary: Paul addresses the issue of pride and self-deception. Vanity leads people to overestimate their own importance, but the truth is that all of us are equal before God. We are reminded not to place ourselves above others or inflate our self-worth based on worldly standards.

Romans 12:3

“For by the grace of God given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of himself and of his importance and ability than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service].”

Commentary: This verse encourages humility and self-awareness. Vanity blinds people to their true worth in God’s eyes and often leads to inflated self-perceptions. Paul calls believers to adopt a mindset of humility and recognize that their value and abilities are gifts from God to be used for His service.

Jeremiah 9:23

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast in his strength, let not the rich man boast in his riches; but let the one who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me [and acknowledges Me and honors Me as God].'”

Commentary: God instructs people not to take pride in their own wisdom, strength, or riches. Instead, the only legitimate boast is in knowing and understanding God. Vanity, which stems from self-reliance and pride in worldly achievements, is rebuked here. The greatest fulfillment is found in a deep relationship with God.

Psalm 119:37

“Turn my eyes away from vanity [all those worldly, meaningless things that distract—let Your priorities be mine], and restore me [with renewed energy] in Your ways.”

Commentary: This verse is a prayer asking God to shift one’s focus away from vanity and worldly distractions. It acknowledges the temptation of meaningless pursuits and asks for God’s intervention to re-align one’s heart with His priorities. The verse serves as a reminder that we must consistently seek God’s help to avoid falling into vanity.

Ecclesiastes 12:8

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All [that is done without God’s guidance] is vanity (futility).”

Commentary: This conclusion to Ecclesiastes reiterates the central theme of the book. Life without God is meaningless. All human effort and achievement, if done apart from Him, are ultimately futile. The verse highlights the importance of a God-centered life and the emptiness of vanity.

Ecclesiastes 5:10

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its gain. This too is vanity (emptiness).

Commentary: This verse points out the insatiable nature of greed and materialism. Loving money and wealth leads to a cycle of never-ending dissatisfaction. The more one has, the more one desires, and thus, the pursuit becomes an empty endeavor. True satisfaction cannot be found in riches but only in God.

Ecclesiastes 4:4

“I have seen that every [effort in] labor and every skill in work comes from man’s rivalry with his neighbor; this too is vanity (futility, false pride) and chasing after the wind.”

Commentary: This verse reflects on the competitive nature of human ambition, which often stems from envy and rivalry. Such motivations lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction, as people strive to outdo one another, only to find that the pursuit is empty. The verse warns against seeking success for the wrong reasons, which leads to vanity.

Psalm 62:9

“Men of low degree are only a breath [emptiness], and men of high rank are a lie [delusion, in the balances they go up]; they are together lighter than a breath.”

Commentary: This verse emphasizes the frailty and insignificance of human beings, regardless of their social status. Whether low or high in rank, people are but a breath compared to the eternal God. It serves as a reminder that vanity, pride, and reliance on human strength or status are futile, and only God provides lasting significance.

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Ecclesiastes 2:15

“Then I said in my heart, ‘As is the fate of the fool, so it will also happen to me. Why then have I been so extremely wise?’ So I said in my heart, ‘This too is vanity (meaningless).’ “

Commentary: The writer reflects on the reality that both the wise and foolish share the same fate—death. This realization leads to a sense of disillusionment, as human wisdom alone cannot prevent death or provide lasting meaning. Without God, even wisdom can feel like vanity. This verse invites us to seek wisdom rooted in God rather than human intellect.

Ecclesiastes 11:10

“So remove sorrow and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, for childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.”

Commentary: This verse encourages the removal of negative emotions and physical indulgences because life is fleeting. The vanity of youth and physical strength is highlighted, reminding us that these things are temporary and should not be the focus of our lives. Instead, believers should pursue eternal values.

Isaiah 2:22

“Stop regarding man, whose breath [of life] is in his nostrils [for so little time]; for why should he be esteemed?”

Commentary: Isaiah calls out the vanity of trusting in human strength or status, given the brevity of life. Humanity is frail and temporary, and it is foolish to place confidence in people rather than God. This verse invites us to put our trust in the eternal Creator, not in mortal beings.

Psalm 144:4

“Man is like a mere breath; His days are like a passing shadow.”

Commentary: This verse paints a vivid picture of the fleeting nature of human life. Our time on earth is compared to a breath or a shadow, here for a moment and gone the next. It reminds us that placing value on vanity and temporary things is foolish. Instead, we should focus on the eternal.

Ecclesiastes 7:6

“For like the crackling of [burning] thorn bushes under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; this too is vanity (futility).”

Commentary: This verse compares the laughter of fools to the sound of burning thorns, which crackle loudly but burn out quickly. It’s a metaphor for how superficial and short-lived worldly pleasures are. The pursuit of meaningless entertainment and foolish behavior is seen as vanity—empty and lacking substance.

Ecclesiastes 5:7

“For in a multitude of dreams and in a flood of words there is worthlessness. Rather, [reverently] fear God and worship Him with awe-filled respect, knowing who He is.”

Commentary: This verse contrasts empty talk and idle dreaming with the meaningful act of revering God. Vanity is often expressed through endless words and unfulfilled ambitions, but the true antidote to vanity is the fear of God. The verse calls for a humble attitude toward life, focusing on worship and obedience rather than self-serving desires.

Ecclesiastes 8:14

“There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked. On the other hand, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I say that this too is vanity (futility, meaninglessness).”

Commentary: The writer observes the unfairness of life, where the righteous sometimes suffer while the wicked prosper. This apparent injustice leads to a feeling of futility, or vanity. However, the verse encourages readers to trust in God’s ultimate justice, knowing that human perspectives are limited.

Job 7:16

“I waste away and loathe my life; I will not live forever. Let me alone, for my days are but a breath [futility].”

Commentary: Job expresses despair and the vanity of his existence as he suffers. His words reflect the human experience of feeling overwhelmed by life’s trials and recognizing the shortness of life. This verse highlights the futility of life without God’s comfort and purpose, offering an honest expression of human frailty.

1 Corinthians 3:20

“And again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the [humanly] wise, that they are useless.'” (Psalm 94:11)

Commentary: Paul quotes Psalm 94:11 to emphasize the vanity of human wisdom when it is divorced from God’s wisdom. Worldly wisdom often leads to arrogance and self-reliance, but in God’s eyes, such thoughts are futile. The verse reminds us that true wisdom comes from God and should guide our lives.

Isaiah 57:13

“When you cry out [for help], let your [ridiculous] collection of idols save you. But the wind will carry them all away, a [mere] breath will take them. But he who takes refuge in Me will possess the land and will inherit My holy mountain.”

Commentary: God mocks the vanity of idol worship, showing how powerless these false gods are. Idols, whether physical or symbolic (such as wealth or power), are fleeting and will ultimately be carried away like the wind. Only God provides a secure refuge, promising lasting inheritance to those who trust in Him.

1 Peter 1:24-25

“For, ‘All flesh is like grass, and all its glory [honor, like] the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord endures forever.'”

Commentary: Peter quotes from Isaiah to remind believers of the temporary nature of human life and glory. Vanity is found in placing trust in human achievements and beauty, which will fade. In contrast, God’s word is eternal, standing forever as a source of life and truth. This verse directs believers toward eternal priorities.

Ecclesiastes 9:9

“Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your work in which you have labored under the sun.”

Commentary: The writer of Ecclesiastes advises enjoying the simple pleasures of life, such as love and companionship, as these are God-given rewards in an otherwise fleeting and vain existence. While much of life is described as vanity, relationships and moments of joy are highlighted as gifts to be cherished.

Psalm 94:11

“The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath (vain, empty, futile).”

Commentary: This verse emphasizes the vanity of human thinking when it is separated from God’s wisdom. Our thoughts, plans, and schemes, when focused on earthly matters, are ultimately futile. Only by aligning our minds with God’s eternal wisdom can we find purpose and meaning in life.

Proverbs 13:11

“Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles, but he who gathers gradually by [honest] labor will increase [his riches].”

Commentary: Vanity is found in the pursuit of wealth through dishonest means, as it ultimately leads to loss and dissatisfaction. This proverb encourages steady, honest work, which brings lasting fulfillment. The verse warns against the fleeting nature of ill-gotten gain, highlighting the value of integrity in financial pursuits.

Ecclesiastes 6:12

“For who [limited to human wisdom] knows what is good for man during his lifetime, during the few days of his futile life? He spends them like a shadow. For who can tell a man what will happen after him under the sun?”

Commentary: The writer reflects on the uncertainty of life and the inability of humans to know what is truly good or what will happen after death. This uncertainty adds to the sense of vanity in human existence, reminding readers to rely on God for guidance and meaning rather than their limited understanding.

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What Does the Bible Say About Vanity