18 Vain Things

Introduction

I'm grateful to be here with you tonight. I’d like to invite you to open your Bibles—or your tablets if that’s what you use—to the book of Ecclesiastes. You’ve been studying the writings of Solomon, and tonight we’ll dive into one of the most profound and honest books in the Bible.

Solomon, as many of you know, was a man of great wisdom. But he was also deeply curious. Ecclesiastes captures his pursuit of meaning, purpose, and what truly matters in life. Traditionally read during the Feast of Tabernacles, this book challenged the people of Israel—and challenges us—to evaluate what we pursue in this life.

The Central Question

Solomon begins with a sobering question:

“What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?”
– Ecclesiastes 1:3

That phrase, “under the sun,” appears throughout the book. It points to the everyday, worldly life—life without a spiritual foundation. Solomon’s mission is to figure out what’s truly worth our time, what has lasting value, and what is ultimately vain.

Nothing New Under the Sun

In chapter 1, verses 9–10, Solomon says:

“That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun.”

Even with technological advancements, new businesses, or incredible experiences—at the core, these aren’t new ideas. History repeats itself. Successes and tragedies alike have played out over and over.

We live in an era of overwhelming information, but that doesn’t mean the human experience has fundamentally changed. Solomon reminds us: nothing new under the sun.

Solomon’s Personal Search

In Ecclesiastes 1:12–18, Solomon explains his mission: to seek and explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. He tried to understand life through intellect and experience—and what he discovered was sobering:

“In much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.”
– Ecclesiastes 1:18

The Key Verse

“Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly.”
– Ecclesiastes 8:12

This verse is the hinge on which the entire book turns. Despite all of life’s apparent contradictions, Solomon affirms: it will go well for those who fear God.

What Is Vanity?

Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon uses the word “vanity”—hebel in Hebrew—which means vapor, futility, or something without substance. He often pairs it with the phrase “striving after the wind,” meaning: chasing something you can never catch.

Let’s explore 18 vain pursuits Solomon identifies:

1. The Works of Man (1:14)

“I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.”

What value does our work really have in the grand scheme of things? The world quickly forgets our achievements. What matters isn’t how impressive our résumé is, but whether our efforts serve eternal purposes.

2. Pleasure (2:1–2)

Solomon tested his heart with pleasure—wine, entertainment, wealth, even concubines. Yet he concluded:

“Behold, it too was futility.”

Pleasure is fleeting. It may satisfy temporarily, but it leaves the soul empty.

3. The Profits of Labor (2:11)

“Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done... and behold, all was vanity.”

You can build, earn, and achieve much—but in the end, it all stays behind. What’s the eternal value?

4. The Pursuit of Wisdom Alone (2:14–16)

Even wisdom, pursued apart from God, leads to grief.

“There is no lasting remembrance of the wise as with the fool… How the wise man and the fool alike die!”

5. Earthly Accomplishments (2:21)

Passing wealth and achievements to the next generation often does more harm than good. They didn’t labor for it—and they might not value it.

6. Obsession with Life (3:19–20)

“All came from the dust and all return to the dust.”

We may care for our bodies or prolong our lives, but physically, we share the same end as the animals. Overemphasizing this life leads to spiritual neglect.

7. Rivalry and Competition (4:4)

“Every labor and skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor.”

When work becomes a competition for status, it loses meaning. Instead of building up one another, we become consumed with being “the best.”

8. Stockpiling Riches (4:7–8)

Some work endlessly to accumulate wealth—without family, without rest, without joy. Solomon calls this a “grievous task.”

9. Trying to Please Everyone (4:16)

Trying to win everyone’s approval is an impossible and exhausting task.

10. Making Empty Promises (5:4–7)

“It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.”

God takes our words seriously. If we make promises, we must follow through.

11. Love of Money (5:10–12)

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money.”

Wealth never satisfies. The rich often have more stress, less rest, and less peace than those with little.

12. Having Wealth But Not Using It (6:1–6)

Some are blessed with riches but never enjoy them. Others benefit instead. Solomon says: this too is vanity.

13. Eloquence Without Meaning (6:11)

Having a way with words doesn’t make your words valuable. A well-crafted lie is still a lie.

14. Foolish Companionship (7:6)

“As the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool.”

Surround yourself with people who will help you get to heaven—not lead you astray.

15. Dismissing Evil (8:10)

“They are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus. This too is futility.”

Evil should never be minimized or tolerated. To excuse it is vanity.

16. Injustice and Broken Systems (8:14)

Life is often unfair. Righteous people suffer. Wicked people prosper. But that doesn’t change the value of righteousness.

17. Living in the Past (11:8)

“All that is to come will be futility.”

You cannot go back. Don’t let the past define your future. If God has forgiven you, you must forgive yourself.

18. Neglecting Your Creator (12:1–8)

Solomon ends his list by urging us to remember God while we’re still young—before the difficult days come.

The Final Conclusion

“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment—everything which is hidden—whether good or evil.”
– Ecclesiastes 12:13–14

Solomon tears down every worldly pursuit so we can see clearly: the only thing that truly matters is a life centered on God.

Your money, achievements, pleasures, possessions—they all stay here. Your soul does not.

Let your life be guided by what is eternal, not what is temporary. That’s the heart of Ecclesiastes.