The start of the biblical book of Ecclesiastes is not what I would call “positive.”
“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). In case it’s not obvious, he’s thinks everything is vanity.
His keyword in Hebrew is “hevel.” It’s hard to translate because there isn’t an exact English equivalent. It can be translated as “meaningless,” “futility,” “breath,” “vapour,” or “mist.”
Imagine being outside on a cold winter’s day. You can see your breath—but only for a moment. Then it’s gone. That’s the sense in this verse: So many things in this life don’t last—work, stuff, money, and even many of our relationships. They’re here for a moment, and then they’re gone, especially when compared to God’s eternity.
Have you ever used a spray bottle? I’m sure you have. As soon as you squeeze the handle, mist comes out. You can see it—but only for a moment—and then it’s gone. Same thing.
Perhaps this is why Jesus tells us to not store up treasures on earth, “where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal…” He then goes on to encourage us to store up treasures in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-20)
Then, in the next verse, he says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Note the word “treasure.” There’s a difference between things you have, and things you treasure.
What do you treasure?
Yes, we have lots of things. But what do we treasure? Let’s be sure to focus on the things that matter, and not get distracted by the things that don’t.
-Bible quotes, ESV.
Leave a Reply