View source for The expression vanity of vanities here means utterly useless

====The expression vanity of vanities here means utterly useless==== 
The expression vanity of vanities here means utterly useless meaningless. It points to the ultimate emptiness of all that the world has to offer (CP Ecc 1:3-11). Solomon observes here that there is no lasting benefit or purpose working to accumulate things to achieve happiness. 

He compares the enduring activity in creation to the profitless activity of man. 

The underlying teaching for Christians here is that if God is not central to every human effort or activity in life, it is a profitless life - empty and meaningless. Solomon uses the term under the sun in V9 to describe daily life (CP 1:12-18). 

Solomon observes here that grief and sorrow await those whose hope is solely in the achievements of human wisdom. 

It goes without saying of course that the "wisdom" Solomon applied in Ecclesiastes is not the same "wisdom" he applied in the Book of Proverbs. 

Proverbs was Godly wisdom whereas Ecclesiastes is mainly human. As an ultimate value, human wisdom and knowledge only highlight problems - they do not rectify them. 

A life lived strictly for the sake of wisdom is futile (CP Ecc 2:12-16). 

Only that which is accomplished by wisdom imparted by God has lasting value (CP 1Cor 1:18-31; 2:4-7, 12-16; Jas 3:13-17).

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