In King Solomon’s treatise on the meaning of life, the book of Ecclesiastes, the Message, a modern paraphrase of the Bible, translates vanity as smoke. All the pursuits of worldly men, whether seeking pleasure, fame, fortune, power; the wisest man to ever live says that it’s all meaningless, vanity, smoke. The dictionary further defines vanity this way: vanity or smoke is lacking real value, hollow, worthless, trivial, or pointless. That’s how Solomon describes his life experience, pursuing meaning apart from God. And Solomon had the position, the money, and the brains to try it all. And, he did, but “under the sun” it had no satisfaction.
Everybody has good days and bad, the wise man counsels, “On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days, so that we won’t take anything for granted.
He encourages us to make the most of this life, and seize the day, but in light of a surety of God. “You who are young, make the most of your youth. Follow the impulses of your heart. But know also that not just anything goes; You have to answer to God for every last bit of it. He also suggests “Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. Don’t hoard your goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others. This could be your last night.
Solomon concludes Ecclesiaste this way, “ The last and final word is this: Fear (reverence) God. Do what he tells you. And that’s it. Eventually God will bring everything that we do out into the open and judge it according to its hidden intent, whether it’s good or evil.”
Consider reading through the book of Ecclesiastes to get Solomon’s perspective and wisdom. Try a modern English version like the NIV or New English Translation, or for a kick a paraphrase like the Living Bible, or the Message by Eugene Peterson. It will bless you and put life in perspective.
Oh, and about the title? Solomon tell me pursuing meaning to life under the sun, without taking into account heaven, and a righteous God, then all of life is smoke, vanity, pointless. And without God at the end of life, where there was smoke, there will certainly be fire
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