WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT VANITY...

The term “vanity” is widely used in our society to mean "exaggeration in the care of one's own image". A girl who tidied herself up would be vanity; a man who uses cream, gel, etc. is seen as “conceited”. Some with this understanding and knowing that such "vanity" is condemned in the Bible, soon believe that it is a sin to take care of yourself, put on makeup or look beautiful. A lot of people think this way. Maybe you too.

But what does the word "Vanity" mean in the Bible? Does it mean "take care of yourself" or "wear makeup?" Let's check!

Vanity in Hebrew comes from two words: Habel and Shav, which mean "empty" and "hollow". In the Old Testament they were used when people abandoned God and sought idols. Idols, as we know, are “hollow, empty” worthless, because there are no other gods! Forsaking God and caring more about earthly things than eternal things was “a pursuit of vanity, according to the Bible, for it was a pursuit of worthless, hollow things.

In Greek, "vanity" is represented by the noun "mataiotes" and also means "empty, worthless.” Always used also when the man or woman gives value to what has no value!

An example, from Psalm 39:5: “You have made my days a span; in your presence the term of my life is nothing. Indeed, every man, however firm he may be, is pure VANITY [soon passes]” Another: "And this I say, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the other Gentiles also walk, in VAIN [empty and futility ] of your mind." Ephesians 4:17

It is clear that the word Vanity, in the Bible, does not mean “wearing makeup” or “taking care of appearance”, but rather “valuing too much something futile, useless, worthless”!

We conclude then that everything that we give exaggerated value, but that has no value for being a passenger, can be called "vanity" biblically speaking: Someone who overvalues his hobby for cars; another who values his designer clothes too much; a guy who sensualizes to get likes; a girl who puts her friends before God, a father who values football more than his family, a mother who cares more about fashion than her children, and so on.

Even makeup and self-care, if it is valued above your life with God and his character, then it becomes biblical vanity in fact, and a sin! But if it's moderate and discreet, what's the problem? We see women of God who beautified themselves, like Esther and Rebeca, and didn't sin for it.

Everything that we value too highly, but which has no value at all, and everything that we put above God, becomes "vanity". That's what the Bible teaches.

So get ready, look good, there's nothing wrong with that – but know that what has REAL value is what is eternal, spiritual, and what pleases God. Have this and not that as a priority.

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#FranciscoNetoABND

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God guide us by what the Bible says