Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    A Jane Austen Devotional
    A Jane Austen Devotional
    A Jane Austen Devotional
    Ebook431 pages69 hours

    A Jane Austen Devotional

    By Thomas Nelson

    4.5/5

    ()

    Read preview

    About this ebook

    A beautiful devotional, brimming with the wit and wisdom of Jane Austen and the timeless truths of Scripture. 

    The works of Jane Austen can transport a reader to a world that exudes beauty, peace, wisdom, wit, and love. Captivating audiences for 200 years, the works of Jane Austen continue to capture today’s readers in droves.

    This daily devotional includes short excerpts from the Austen classics, and a devotional thought and Scripture that meaningfully translates to women’s daily lives. Offering temporary transport to a simple and peaceful place, women will love taking a moment to revel in the beauty and truth of a Scripture paired with excerpts from Northanger Abbey, Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Persuasion, Mansfield Park, and Emma.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherThomas Nelson
    Release dateJan 9, 2012
    ISBN9781400319718
    A Jane Austen Devotional

    Read more from Thomas Nelson

    Related to A Jane Austen Devotional

    Related ebooks

    Christianity For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    • Article

      Giving It All to God

      Oct 1, 2021

      Giving It All to God
      6 min read

    • Article

      Who Killed Taylor Swift?

      Aug 25, 2017

      Who Killed Taylor Swift?
      2 min read

    • Article

      Inspired by Victoria

      Aug 13, 2019

      I was fourteen when I purchased my very first Victoria magazine. As I turned each page, I was struck with the thought, this is me. I kept every issue and totally immersed myself in each feature, dreaming that one day I would live in the neighborhood

      3 min read

    • Article

      The Gift of Kindness

      Jul 26, 2022

      The Gift of Kindness
      3 min read

    • Article

      Thursday, September 2

      Aug 14, 2021

      GOD ANSWERED A SIXTEEN-YEAR-LONG PRAYER when our daughter announced that her family would be moving to our hometown. Ever since our oldest granddaughter, Jenessa, was born, Kevin and I had longed to have them near us, rather than a day’s drive away.

      1 min read

    • Article

      New Chapters Unfolding

      Nov 22, 2022

      When first I saw the vast English house that would become my home, I was overawed. An elegant redbrick Victorian vicarage in Oxford, tucked away next to a lake, with a rambling garden and an ancient willow. We toured the property as part of my husban

      6 min read

    • Article

      A New Day Of Pentecost The Spirit Of Prayer

      Dec 1, 2023

      Over the last few issues, I have shared guiding principles that the early Church lived by (Acts 2:42). This included apostolic doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. Last month, we looked at the Christocentric prayer of Paul and the

      2 min read

    • Article

      Hold Fast To The Word Of God

      Apr 13, 2020

      Hold Fast To The Word Of God
      1 min read

    • Article

      Letters To The EDITOR

      Jul 21, 2023

      D ear readers, we love to hear your thoughts on the stories that we publish, what is going on around the world, and what the Lord has placed on your heart! Email your letter through to editor@joymag.co.za for a chance to be featured – please try to k

      6 min read

    • Article

      The Importance Of Exercising Your Faith

      Sep 4, 2020

      JOY! Magazine seeks to glorify God by educating and informing Christians of a Biblical Worldview and applying the Lordship of Jesus Christ to all areas of life. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must

      2 min read

    • Article

      Gratitude and Meeting Needs

      Nov 21, 2017

      A Christian Science perspective: Gratitude guides us out of a limited, finite sense of supply and into a more expansive awareness of illimitable God, good, inspiring solutions that meet our needs.

      2 min read

    • Article

      Niki’s Christmas Nuts

      Oct 22, 2021

      Niki’s Christmas Nuts
      1 min read

    • Article

      Pastor Jo Swart

      Aug 26, 2022

      Pastor Jo Swart
      7 min read

    • Article

      What Prevents People From Being Baptised With The HOLY FIRE?

      Jun 24, 2022

      • Not striving for holiness • Self-righteousness • Pride • ‘My way or the highway’ • Fake godliness • Putting one first above all others • Lack of love and respect • Lack of fear of the Lord • Acceptance without response • Offence • An independent s

      1 min read

    • Article

      Women Of Grace

      Jun 24, 2019

      In the book of John 5:1-10, we read about a man who suffered from a disorder. He sat at the pool of Bethesda amongst all other impotent folk. “Impotent” is defined as not having the power or ability to change or improve a situation. This man sat in t

      3 min read

    • Article

      Celebrating 37 years

      Nov 18, 2019

      Celebrating 37 years
      3 min read

    • Article

      What Is The Anointing?

      May 20, 2022

      • The anointing rubs and smears off – this means that it is something that is transferable. • It is something that you can have and carry. • It is the power of od. • It is something that one has to desire to have because it is the manifestation of th

      1 min read

    • Article

      Ask Val

      Feb 9, 2024

      Ask Val
      2 min read

    • Article

      Leaning On The Lord And His Wisdom

      Aug 27, 2021

      Over these past few weeks, I have found myself enquiring of the Lord almost continuously. We have been experiencing some troubling situations recently and I have really needed extraordinary advice. I am so aware of where my help comes from, so I imme

      2 min read

    • Article

      Letters To The EDITOR

      Mar 18, 2022

      Dear readers, we love to hear your thoughts on the stories that we publish, what is going on around the world, and what the Lord has placed on your heart! Email your letter through to editor@joymag.co.za for a chance to be featured – please try to ke

      7 min read

    • Article

      On KINDNESS

      Mar 1, 2021

      On KINDNESS
      2 min read

    • Article

      Building Our Houses Upon The Rock

      May 19, 2023

      Jesus speaks about the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation, like a wise man who builds his house on the rock. In today’s world, where every aspect of life seems to be filled with stress and frustration, it is easy to feel overwhelm

      1 min read

    • Article

      Acknowledgments

      Dec 15, 2021

      Copyright © 2022 by Guideposts. All rights reserved. This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, wi

      1 min read

    Related categories

    Reviews for A Jane Austen Devotional

    4.5/5

    22 ratings5 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 5/5
      The first thing that I noticed and love about A Jane Austen Devotional is the beautiful hardbound cloth cover of this book. It's really stunning to look at. This book was an interest to me as a lover of all things Jane. The idea of combining my love for this timeless author and my faith intrigued me. The author takes passages from each of Austen's books and then gives a short explanation as to why a particular passage is against/in agreement with what the Lord would want of us. Woolsey backs up her explanations with scripture. This is a great book for reflection and character building. It covers topics such as Faithfulness, Esteeming Others, Developing Self Control, Looking for God's Purpose, and Pouring God's Grace on Others. This book offers over 100 different devotions. I really like this devotional. Woolsey does a great job with pairing up scripture and passages from Austen's novels. They fit together perfectly. It's not overly preachy or nagging but it's encouraging and supporting. Reading each entry takes less than five minutes and would be a great way to start the day for anyone. This would be a great book for any Jane Austen lover wanting to grow closer to God.
    • 5/5
      A Jane Austen Devotionalpublished by Thomas Nelsonavailable January 10, 2012A must have if you are a lover of Jane Austen and Jesus Christ. This book is a wonderful blend of tidbits from Jane's books and Biblical passages. The lessons put forth are related to Ms. Austen's characters with a perfect blending of her writings and those from the scriptures. I received this book as a NetGalley egalley, but I will purchase as soon as available, this is one I want to keep with me at all times.
    • 5/5
      A Jane Austen Devotional consists of excerpts from six Austen novels with devotional commentary by Steffany Woolsey, concluding with a relevant Bible verse. While Austen doesn’t explicitly address religion and theology in her novels, they are under-girded by a Christian ethic. Austen’s heroines weigh their own conduct and that of others against a biblical moral standard. Close reading of passages from the novels provides the reader with deeper insight into Austen’s characters, as well as with encouragement to develop virtues such as kindness, respect for others, contentment, and forgiveness, and with caution to avoid negative traits such as envy, worry, self-centeredness, and a critical spirit. The primary audience appears to be young adult women, with some devotions assuming that the readers are or will be wives and mothers. However, most of the devotions will apply to readers in any stage of life.
    • 4/5
      This is a lovely and thoughtful devotional, with a passage of an Austen novel serving as a springboard for a spiritual thought and Scripture text. It's interesting, engaging, and concise.
    • 5/5
      Interwoven Biblical tenets from the muse of Austen!A Jane Austen Devotional is certainly an unusual and pleasing work. It filters scripture through the eyes of characters and situations throughout Austen novels, and ultimately of course through Jane herself.In opening scriptural direction and reflection for us via the understandings of Austen, her times and her characters, the publisher Thomas Nelson has combined two of the best of English literary achievements—the Bible and Austen to bring forth a bold and refreshing take on the nature of the Devotional.I admit there are understandings and links that I would wish to challenge. For me that makes this such an interesting method of inspirational reading. I am able to dialogue with the work, to reflect and challenge my own scriptural explorations and understandings.And I do this whilst revisiting my favorite Austen novels, characters and situations.The devotional certainly tweaked my curiosity about Nelson’s other offering in this series, A Charles Dickens Devotional, Dickens being another of my favorite English Literature writers.A fascinating new look at Scripture and Austen for Austen fans so minded.A NetGalley ARC

    Book preview

    A Jane Austen Devotional - Thomas Nelson

    9781400319534_eINT_0001_001

    To

    From

    9781400319534_eINT_0001_002

    A JANE AUSTEN

    DEVOTIONAL

    9781400319534_eINT_0003_001

    COMPILED and WRITTEN by

    STEFFANY WOOLSEY

    9781400319534_eINT_0003_002

    A Jane Austen Devotional

    © 2012 by Thomas Nelson®, Inc.

    All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

    Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson®. Thomas Nelson is a trademark of Thomas Nelson, Inc.

    Thomas Nelson, Inc., titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail SpecialMarkets@ThomasNelson.com.

    Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION. © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by Permission.

    Other Scripture quotations are taken from: THE CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION (CEV), © 1991 by The American Bible society. Used by permission. Amplified® Bible (AMP). Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. KING JAMES VERSION (KJV). The Message by Eugene H. Peterson (MSG). © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. New Century Version® (NCV). © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The Living Bible (TLB) ©1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, IL. All rights reserved. NEW KING JAMES VERSION (NKJV). © 1982, 1992 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Holy Bible, New International Version®, (NIV). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT). © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Ill. 60189. All rights reserved. NET Bible® (NET) copyright ©1996–2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://bible.org. All rights reserved. NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE® (NASB), © the Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission. Revised Standard Version of the Bible (RSV), copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, (NRSV) copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

    Created by MacKenzie Howard

    Cover design by: Studio Gearbox

    Managing Editor: Lisa Stilwell

    ISBN-13: 978-1-4003-1953-4

    Printed in China

    11 12 13 14 15 RRD 5 4 3 2 1

    www.thomasnelson.com

    9781400319534_eINT_0005_001

    HAVE WE THOUGHT IRREVERENTLY OF THEE, HAVE WE DISOBEYED THY COMMANDMENTS, HAVE WE NEGLECTED ANY KNOWN DUTY, OR WILLINGLY GIVEN PAIN TO ANY HUYMAN BEING? INCLINE US TO ASK OUR HEARTS THESE QUESTIONS OH! GOD, AND SAVE US FROM DECEIVING OURSELVES BY PRIDE AND VANITY.

    —Evening Prayer 1

    Thomas Nelson gratefully acknowledges full access to Jane Austen’s beloved novels, all of which reside in the public domain. Every effort has been made to preserve the integrity of the extracts used, which includes retaining the original British spelling, syntax, and grammatical construct except where the device proves distracting, confusing, or otherwise prevents accurate interpretation.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS

    9781400319534_eINT_0006_001

    Introduction

    Being Generous

    Christ’s Unconditional Love

    Vanity’s Folly

    Faithfulness

    Unhealthy Friendships

    Building Character

    Judging Others Hastily

    Imitating Christ for Others

    The Virtue of Steadiness

    Following the Golden Rule

    Heart’s Kindness

    Esteeming Others

    Evaluating Your Focus

    Spiritual Bankruptcy

    Respecting One Another

    Letting Christ Be Your Guide

    Meek and Gentle Spirit

    Developing Contentment

    When Teasing Is Lying

    Stirring Up Trouble

    Loving Like Jesus

    True Love’s Endurance

    Developing Self-Control

    Being in Jesus’ Presence

    Seeking God’s Counsel

    A Critical Spirit

    Honoring Your Parents

    Baiting

    Justifying Sin

    Appearing Religious

    Coddling Covetousness

    Letting Go of Worry

    Unhealthy Persuasion

    Trap Comparison

    Setting Emotional Boundaries

    A Disciplined Prayer Life

    Danger of Self-Importance

    Choosing Kindness over Judgment

    Feeling Sorry for Oneself

    Self-Deception

    In Support of Clergy

    Appreciating Your Spouse

    Rest and Refreshment

    Looking for God’s Purpose

    On Doing Right

    Flirting with Sin

    Pouring God’s Grace on Others

    Disciplining Your Children in Love

    Hope in the Lord, Not Man

    Being Servant-Hearted

    Receiving Wise Counsel

    Governed by Selfish Impulses

    Jealousy

    Forsaking the Long-Term Prize

    Striving for Pure Motives

    Justifying Compromise

    Chasing Out Little Foxes

    Adoption into God’s Family

    The Sign of Discontent

    Taming the Tongue

    Nursing Envy

    Behaving Nobly

    Sacrifices in Parenting

    Spiritual Hypochondria

    Power of a Well-Placed Word

    Looking for Ways to Serve

    The First Beatitude

    A Jealous God

    Getting Angry, Yet Not Sinning

    Obsessing

    A Changed Man

    God’s Rules Are for Our Protection

    Idle Gossip

    Silliness

    Speaking the Truth in Love

    Seeing God in Nature

    Rising Above

    Choosing Idols over God

    A Bright Outlook

    When God’s Favor Doesn’t Look Like Favor

    Forgiven Much, Forgiving Much

    Forgiveness

    Not Getting Distracted

    Living by Grace

    Beware of Vipers

    Developing into a Godly Woman

    Taming Your Temper

    Free to Live in Freedom

    Letting God Protect Your Heart

    The Art of Good Timing

    Poor Judge of Character

    Agape Love in Action

    Behaving with Dignity

    Pursuing Perfection

    Tempering the Heart

    Sojourners on Earth

    A Spoiled Legacy

    Seeking Repentance

    Making Light of Sin

    Iron Sharpens Iron

    Beauty of a Teachable Spirit

    Godly Mentoring

    Pursuing Vanity

    An Honorable Legacy

    Jane Austen Biography

    9781400319534_eINT_0010_001

    INTRODUCTION

    For two centuries now, women have had the opportunity to curl up with a Jane Austen novel and get lost in the romantic stories of the English countryside. It is one of life’s great pleasures to finish a book and feel the satisfaction of not only having read a well-crafted story, but of learning a valuable life lesson about God and human nature.

    Jane manages to accomplish all of that and more as she shows us through her words what love is. Hers is not a superficial, vain love, but a 1 Corinthians 13 love—one built on action, character, and honor. Any woman who has ever read or seen Pride and Prejudice longs for a lover like Mr. Darcy, a hero who comes to her and proclaims, Surely, you must know it was all for you.

    As the ultimate answer to all questions, the Bible is the standard by which we compare everything. Austen’s writing is newly illuminated when held up to Scripture. In probing her novels for biblical insights on living and loving, we are reminded of humanity’s innate desire for relationship with the Creator. Through Austen’s varied and colorful characters, we learn not only about true love but meaningful character. We strive for the humility, wisdom, wit, and grace of a Jane Austen protagonist while learning to recognize the superficial vanity and worldliness of so many other characters who concern themselves only with their own gain.

    This book was crafted with the hope that readers would take the opportunity to get lost in the world of Jane Austen—a place where we can all pause in solitude, as though we’ve just finished a stroll in the garden with Jane and are now sitting down with her to tea, reflecting on important life lessons and taking in the beauty of the countryside. Through excerpts from her work, short devotions, and Scripture, we hope this book will bring you moments of peace while you allow God’s Word to shape your own character.

    And while you rest for a moment in the simplicity of Jane’s words, perhaps your own life will grow a little simpler and more peaceful. Our wish is that through these spiritual insights into Jane’s writing, you, too, will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus, who through His death and resurrection woos you with the declaration, Surely, you must know it was all for you.

    Jane did her readers a great service when she used the gift God gave her to touch the world with her writing and wisdom. May each of us do the same with our own talent, and offer glory to God and beauty to our fellow man.

    9781400319534_eINT_0011_0019781400319534_eINT_0010_001

    BEING GENEROUS

    Upon my word, said Mr. Dashwood, I believe you are perfectly right. My father certainly could mean nothing more by his request to me than what you say. I clearly understand it now, and I will strictly fulfill my engagement by such acts of assistance and kindness to them as you have described. When my mother removes into another house my services shall be readily given to accommodate her as far as I can see. Some little present of furniture too may be acceptable then.

    Certainly, returned Mrs. John Dashwood. "But, however, one thing must be considered. When your father and mother moved to Norland, though the furniture of Stanhill was sold, all the china, plate, and linen was saved, and is now left to your mother. Her house will therefore be almost completely fitted up as soon as she takes it."

    That is a material consideration undoubtedly. A valuable legacy indeed! And yet some of the plate would have been a very pleasant addition to our own stock here.

    "Yes; and the set of breakfast china is twice as handsome as what belongs to this house. A great deal too handsome, in my opinion, for any place they can ever afford to live in. But, however, so it is. Your father thought only of them. And I must say this: that you owe no particular gratitude to him, nor attention to his wishes; for we very well know that if he could, he would have left almost everything in the world to them."

    This argument was irresistible. It gave to his intentions whatever of decision was wanting before; and he finally resolved, that it would be absolutely unnecessary, if not highly indecorous, to do more for the widow and children of his father, than such kind of neighbourly acts as his own wife pointed out.

    —Sense and Sensibility

    So ends a series of exchanges between Mr. and Mrs. John Dashwood to settle on how much—if anything— to give his father’s widow and her three daughters. You can see Mrs. Dashwood’s mean-spiritedness at battle with Mr. Dashwood’s natural goodwill and generosity.

    Sadly, uncharitable living is not limited to small-minded persons like Mrs. Dashwood. It is a matter of the heart: any one of us is prone to greed if we cultivate qualities such as self-interest, pride, and selfishness, for "what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person" (Matthew 15:18, emphasis added). The Dashwoods’ self-congratulatory tone in the final section clearly reveals defiled hearts.

    In the book of Mark, Jesus teaches His disciples what real generosity looks like: A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And [Jesus] called his disciples to him and said to them, ‘Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on’ (12:42–44).

    As Christ followers, we are called to imitate the widow who gave no less than everything she had. When we choose this route, He can begin to develop in us qualities such as generosity, kindness, and compassion. We live like Christ by serving others and giving freely of our time and resources. We look like Him by doing so joyfully and thankfully.

    9781400319534_eINT_0013_001

    THE GENEROUS SOUL WILL BE MADE RICH.

    Proverbs 11:25 NKJV

    9781400319534_eINT_0010_001

    CHRIST’S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

    [Our daughters] have none of them much to recommend them,’’ replied [Mr. Bennet]; they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters.’’

    "Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such way? You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves.’’

    "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.’’

    "Ah! you do not know what I suffer.’’

    "But I hope you will get over it, and live to see many young men of four thousand a year come into the neighbourhood.’’

    "It will be no use to us if twenty such should come, since you will not visit them.’’

    "Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty I will visit them all.’’

    Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three and twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character. Her mind was less difficult to develope. She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper. When she was discontented, she fancied herself nervous. The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news.

    —Pride and Prejudice

    Mrs. Bennet’s ill breeding is on display from the onset of Pride and Prejudice. Noisy and foolish, she lacks even basic manners or social skills. Her single, driving life’s focus—finding eligible husbands for her five daughters—is so exhaustive that over the course of the book she will succeed in driving away nearly every potential suitor.

    Mrs. Bennet’s intellectual shortcomings are in stark contrast to her husband’s dry humor and quick wit. Twenty-three years prior, Mr. Bennet chose to marry a silly but pretty wife, and it seems clear that he daily regrets his choice. To compensate for his unhappy marriage, he withdraws into his study and takes pleasure in books, teasing his wife, and indulging his sarcastic humor. His favoritism of smart, funny Lizzy only further elevates his superiority toward his wife and deepens the chasm between them.

    Comical though it may be, Mr. Bennet’s poorly executed role as patriarch runs counter to the Bible’s directive to husbands: "Love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. . . . He who loves his wife loves himself" (Ephesians 5:25, 28, emphasis added).

    Jesus didn’t wait until we deserved His love to give it to us. Instead, He committed to love us first. This required serious sacrifice—the same kind of sacrifice a husband and wife should commit to each other, even when the other is acting neither lovingly nor attractively.

    Christ’s example teaches us this: love is not first and foremost about finding our spouses physically, emotionally, or intellectually our equals. It is about the commitment to love . . . no matter what.

    9781400319534_eINT_0015_001

    I WILL BETROTH YOU TO ME IN FAITHFULNESS. AND YOU SHALL KNOW THE LORD.

    Hosea 2:20

    9781400319534_eINT_0010_001

    VANITY’S FOLLY

    Vanity was the beginning and the end of Sir Walter Elliot’s character; vanity of person and of situation. He had been remarkably handsome in his youth; and, at fifty-four, was still a very fine man. Few women could think more of their personal appearance than he did, nor could the valet of any new made lord be more delighted with the place he held in society. He considered the blessing of beauty as inferior only to the blessing of a baronetcy; and the Sir Walter Elliot, who united these gifts, was the constant object of his warmest respect and devotion.

    His good looks and his rank had one fair claim on his attachment; since to them he must have owed a wife of very superior character to any thing deserved by his own. Lady Elliot had been an excellent woman, sensible and amiable; whose judgement and conduct, if they might be pardoned the youthful infatuation which made her Lady Elliot, had never required indulgence afterwards.—She had humoured, or softened, or concealed his failings, and promoted his real respectability for seventeen years; and though not the very happiest being in the world herself, had found enough in her duties, her friends, and her children, to attach her to life, and make it no matter of indifference to her when she was called on to quit them.—Three girls, the two eldest sixteen and fourteen, was an awful legacy for a mother to bequeath, an awful charge rather, to confide to the authority and guidance of a conceited, silly father.

    —Persuasion

    For Sir Walter Elliot, vanity has its tentacles wrapped around both his person (appearance) and situation (title). Even his seventeen-year marriage to the good Lady Elliot, a woman of very superior character, who humored his arrogance and concealed his failings, was not enough to dethrone his conceited, silly ways.

    In speaking to the folly of vanity, there is perhaps no greater authority than King Solomon. Born into royalty and appointed to the throne at age twelve, Solomon had a bright future. He was beloved by his subjects and granted unlimited wisdom and riches by God! But over the course of a long life, Solomon was not strong enough to withstand the temptations that come with great luxury. He had more than seven hundred wives, and eventually they turned his heart away from the one true God and led him into idolatry.

    The book of Ecclesiastes contains many of Solomon’s ruminations on the emptiness of a life derailed by vain pleasures: I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind (1:14 NKJV). Even the wisest king of Israel lived to regret how he squandered God’s blessings.

    Solomon’s advice can help us avoid the

    Enjoying the preview?
    Page 1 of 1