“Behold, is it not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity? For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness! Thou art filled with shame for glory: drink thou also, and let thy foreskin be uncovered: the cup of the LORD’S right hand shall be turned unto thee, and shameful spewing shall be on thy glory.” (Habakkuk 2:13-16)
Proud man would have the earth filled with the knowledge of his glory, even when his glory is shame. The pride of life consists of men wanting other men to see and admire their “good.” A drunkard can think he a “good” drinker – able to handle his liquor better than “amateurs.” A liar can think he is a “good” liar – easily pulling the wool over naive eyes. A thief can think he is a “good” thief – getting away with other people’s treasure without them knowing it. Even a serial killer can think he is a “good” serial killer.
What does it matter if the whole world is enthralled by our expertise, our prowess, our talent, if God despises it? “For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Lk. 16:15). Ultimately, those seeking the recognition of men “labor in the very fire” for what? “Very vanity” (i.e., absolutely nothing.)
The day is coming when the only glory filling the earth is God’s glory. Only what is done of, by, and for Him will be deemed praiseworthy. The glory of man will fade away and cease like the flower of the field. In that day there will be a “shameful spewing” on all that man gloried in that was not of God.
What a small and fleeting window man has to bask in his glory – to be “somebody” in the eyes of his fellow creatures; to wow and win them; to hear their applause. But it is all soon coming to an end. “Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah” (Ps. 39:5). Even when we are recognized as the best at what we do, we are nothing if it is all self-generated and meant to gain the admiration of humankind.
Best to prepare now for that day when all the earth will only be in awe of the one whose glory is everlasting. Best to have crowns gained in this life that can be cast at His feet. Best to hear His “well done” in that day. Live to display His glory. Live to gain His praise.