STOP AND THINK – All other vices are embedded in evil, but vanity expresses itself in good works. (Augustine, 4th -5th century B.C. Christian theologian)
Augustine identifies vanity, or pride, as a vice, an undesirable character flaw. We can probably all agree to that, but his statement that vanity is expressed “in good works” is a little surprising. Think about that for a moment, however. Aren’t we inclined to flaunt our good deeds sometimes? We want people to know that we’ve done some good thing. That’s vanity!
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:14)