In the biblical context, luxuries are often associated with wealth, excess, and the potential for moral and spiritual pitfalls. The Bible provides numerous references to the dangers and responsibilities that come with wealth and the pursuit of luxurious living.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of wealth and luxury, often warning against the moral decay that can accompany them. In the book of Proverbs, wisdom literature cautions against the pursuit of riches for their own sake: "Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself" (Proverbs 23:4). This suggests a need for balance and discernment in the pursuit of material wealth.

The prophet Amos speaks against the complacency and indulgence of the wealthy in Israel, highlighting the social injustices that can arise from luxurious living: "You lie on beds adorned with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves" (Amos 6:4). Here, luxury is depicted as a symbol of moral and social decay, leading to a lack of concern for the poor and oppressed.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of wealth and luxury in several of His teachings. In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus warns against storing up earthly treasures without being "rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). This parable illustrates the futility of hoarding wealth and the importance of spiritual richness over material abundance.

The apostle Paul also addresses the topic in his letters, advising Timothy to instruct the wealthy not to be arrogant or to put their hope in wealth, which is uncertain, but to put their hope in God (1 Timothy 6:17). Paul emphasizes the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of using it for good deeds and generosity.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Bible's treatment of luxuries underscores the tension between material wealth and spiritual well-being. While wealth itself is not condemned, the love of money and the pursuit of luxury at the expense of spiritual and moral values are cautioned against. The Bible encourages believers to seek contentment and to use their resources to serve God and others, rather than indulging in excess.

Practical Considerations

For Christians, the biblical teachings on luxuries call for a lifestyle of moderation, stewardship, and generosity. Believers are encouraged to evaluate their relationship with material possessions and to prioritize their spiritual growth and service to others. The pursuit of luxury should not overshadow the call to live a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God, characterized by love, justice, and humility.(n.) Plural of Luxury.

To Monna Colomba in Lucca
... widows"she must have been lovingly entertained at the pale virgin's identification
of herself with those who "walk in the way of luxuries and pleasures," and ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to monna colomba in lucca.htm

Of the Two Classes of Voluptuous Men, and of their Death, Falling ...
... them with wicked desires, through which they will perish; for they forget the
commandments of the living God, and walk in deceits and empty luxuries; and they ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/similitude sixth of the two.htm

Having Adduced Examples of Certain Frauds Found in a Few Passages ...
... buyer's desires. For why did he show himself so eager for luxuries and
delicacies as to allow a fraud of this character? 71. What ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi having adduced examples.htm

The visit to Media.
... very much impressed with the magnificence of the scenes to which he was introduced
when he arrived in Media, and with the gayeties and luxuries, the pomp and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter iii the visit to.htm

Peter of Chelcic, 1419-1450.
... to eat every day. They have fish, spices, brawn, herrings, figs, almonds,
Greek wine and other luxuries. They generally drink good ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv peter of chelcic.htm

Christian Stewardship.
... Luxuries may be denied. ... Shall we then take that which might relieve them, and expend
it in procuring conveniences, elegancies, and luxuries for ourselves? ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter ii christian stewardship.htm

Omar and the Sacred vine
... The new ascetics who follow Thoreau or Tolstoy are much livelier company; for, though
the surrender of strong drink and such luxuries may strike us as an idle ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/vii omar and the sacred.htm

Called to Reach a Higher Standard
... Never must he allow his attention to be diverted by amusements, luxuries, or ease.
All his habits and passions must be brought under the strictest discipline. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 30 called to reach.htm

The Call of Moses
... Moses had been brought us with all the luxuries that Egypt could give him, and now
he was a shepherd, and in the sight of the Egyptians a shepherd was an ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/ii the call of moses.htm

Grant Now, O Blessed, that Even to Christians the Prison is ...
... Well, no soldier comes out to the campaign laden with luxuries, nor does he go to
action from his comfortable chamber, but from the light and narrow tent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad martyras/chapter iii grant now o.htm

Luxuries (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Luxuries (2 Occurrences). ... I prepared for me men-singers
and women-singers, and the luxuries of the sons of man -- a wife and wives. ...
/l/luxuries.htm - 7k

Luxurious (9 Occurrences)

/l/luxurious.htm - 9k

Luxury (8 Occurrences)
... Anything which pleases the senses, and is also costly, or difficult to obtain; an
expensive rarity; as, silks, jewels, and rare fruits are luxuries; in some ...
/l/luxury.htm - 9k

Luxuriated (1 Occurrence)

/l/luxuriated.htm - 7k

Ivory (13 Occurrences)
... It is mentioned among the luxuries of Israel in the denunciations of Amos (3:15;
6:4). It occurs in the figurative language of Psalm 45:8 Songs 5:14; Songs 7:4 ...
/i/ivory.htm - 17k

Riblah (12 Occurrences)
... Euphrates. Lebanon, close by, with its forests, its hunting grounds and its
snows, ministered to the needs and luxuries of the leaders. ...
/r/riblah.htm - 14k

Dainty (7 Occurrences)
... thee," and Homer's Iliad (Pope). xviii.456). "Dainties," then, are luxuries,
costly, delicate and rare. This idea is common to all ...
/d/dainty.htm - 10k

Dainties (14 Occurrences)
... thee," and Homer's Iliad (Pope). xviii.456). "Dainties," then, are luxuries,
costly, delicate and rare. This idea is common to all ...
/d/dainties.htm - 12k

Meats (9 Occurrences)
... thee," and Homer's Iliad (Pope). xviii.456). "Dainties," then, are luxuries,
costly, delicate and rare. This idea is common to all ...
/m/meats.htm - 11k

Cucumbers (3 Occurrences)
... cucumbers and watermelons of which they had had no lack in Egypt, rather than of
the cruel bondage which was the price of these luxuries." Groser's Scripture ...
/c/cucumbers.htm - 8k

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