What is vanity in the bible?

In the Bible, vanity is often referred to as pride, self-centeredness, or a preoccupation with one's own appearance or achievements. It is considered a sinful attitude that leads individuals away from God and towards selfishness and self-glorification.

One of the most well-known passages about vanity in the Bible comes from the Book of Ecclesiastes, where King Solomon reflects on the futility of pursuing worldly pleasures and material possessions. He famously declares, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity" (Ecclesiastes 1:2).

Throughout the Bible, vanity is condemned as a negative characteristic that can lead individuals astray from God's will. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Similarly, James 4:6 warns, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

Overall, the Bible teaches that humility and selflessness are important virtues to cultivate, while vanity and pride are to be avoided.