15 Bible Verses about Futility Of Worldly Pursuits

We brought nothing into the world and we can carry nothing out.

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun. Behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering after the desire. This is also vanity and a striving after wind.

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth, with gain. This too is vanity.

Because there is a man whose work has been done with wisdom, with knowledge, and with an expert hand. But one who has done nothing for it will have it for his heritage. This also is vanity and a great evil.

He said: I was born with nothing (naked), and I will die with nothing. Jehovah gave, and now he has taken away. Blessed be the name of Jehovah!

He will not take anything with him when he dies. Even his greatness cannot follow him.

Command those who are rich in this present system not to be high-minded (arrogant), not to have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. They should do good works and be rich in good works, that they are ready to distribute, willing to communicate. They store up for them a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on the life that is life indeed.

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? What should a man give in exchange for his life?

For what does it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose or forfeit his own self?

Do you not know from of old, ever since man was placed on the earth? The success of the wicked is brief and the joy of the godless lasts but a moment.

With your power (by your hand) rescue me from mortals, O Jehovah, from mortals who look forward only to this life. You fill their bellies with your treasure. Their children are satisfied with it, and they leave what remains to their children.

Abraham said: Remember, my son, in your lifetime you were given good things, while Lazarus got all the bad things. Now he is enjoying himself while you are in torment. There is a deep pit lying between us, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot do so. And no one can cross over to us from where you are.

Vanity of vanities, says the preacher; all is vanity.

For the wisdom of this age is foolishness with God. It is written: He catches the wise in their own craftiness (deception). (Job 5:13)