Ecclesiastes is known for this statement. It is a sobering, cynical, somewhat discouraged assessment of life. It comes from someone who had indulged himself in all that the world had to offer. He had seen it all, and heard it all. Yet he came away disillusioned. He discovered that those things the world craved and pursued left you disappointed once you obtained them. They were vanity.
Our own experience affirms much of this. We too may have fervently pursued a job, a spouse, a house, a position, recognition, or wealth, only to discover that it did not bring the contentment we assumed it would. Much of what you may have treasured in your youth, now seems like cheap trinkets from your mature perspective. The reality is that much of what we invest our lives in is but a shadow of what life is meant to be. Fools spend their days chasing shadows.
But not all of life is vanity. There are golden nuggets hidden within the vain landscape that surrounds us. God Himself, is far more real, and glorious than we could ever imagine. Family, friends, and fellow believers can add enormous joy to our lives, if we invest ourselves properly in those relationships. Service to our King for His kingdom is never in vain, though it might at times appear so at first glance.
It is easy to be deceived into chasing after vanity, if we’re not careful. But thanks to Christ, our life can be filled with meaning, purpose, and joy.