15 Bible Verses about Futility Of Worldly Pursuits

For we brought nothing into the world, so neither can we carry anything out.

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.

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

He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.

For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet he shall leave it for his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.

He said, "Naked I came out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD."

For when he dies he shall carry nothing away. His glory shall not descend after him.

Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of that which is truly life.

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits his own self?

Do you not know this from old time, since man was placed on earth, that the triumphing of the wicked is short, the joy of the godless but for a moment?

from men by your hand, LORD, from men of the world, whose portion is in this life. You fill the belly of your cherished ones. Your sons have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.

"But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in like manner, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish. Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that none may cross over from there to us.'

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He has taken the wise in their craftiness."