Definition and Overview:
Squandering refers to the reckless and wasteful use of resources, whether they be financial, material, or spiritual. In the biblical context, squandering is often associated with a lack of stewardship and responsibility, leading to moral and spiritual decay. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the dangers and consequences of squandering, urging believers to exercise wisdom and prudence in managing the blessings God has entrusted to them.

Biblical Examples:

1. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32):
One of the most well-known biblical accounts of squandering is the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In this parable, Jesus tells the account of a younger son who demands his share of the inheritance from his father and then "squandered his wealth in wild living" (Luke 15:13). This reckless behavior leads to his downfall, leaving him destitute and in need. The parable illustrates the consequences of squandering and the redemptive power of repentance and forgiveness.

2. The Foolish Steward (Luke 16:1-13):
Jesus also shares the Parable of the Dishonest Manager, where a steward is accused of wasting his master's possessions. The steward's lack of integrity and poor management skills lead to his dismissal. This parable serves as a warning against squandering resources and emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and accountability in stewardship.

3. Esau's Birthright (Genesis 25:29-34):
Esau's decision to sell his birthright for a bowl of stew is another example of squandering. In a moment of impulsive desire, Esau disregards the long-term value of his inheritance, demonstrating a lack of appreciation for the blessings he possessed. This act of squandering has lasting consequences, as Esau forfeits his rightful place in the lineage of God's chosen people.

Biblical Teachings:

1. Stewardship and Responsibility:
The Bible consistently teaches the importance of stewardship and the responsible management of God's gifts. Believers are called to be faithful stewards of their time, talents, and treasures. In 1 Peter 4:10 , it is written, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." This verse underscores the expectation that Christians should use their resources wisely and for the benefit of others.

2. Warnings Against Greed and Wastefulness:
Scripture warns against the dangers of greed and the temptation to squander resources on selfish pursuits. Proverbs 21:20 states, "Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them." This proverb highlights the contrast between wise management and foolish wastefulness, encouraging believers to seek wisdom in their financial and material dealings.

3. Contentment and Generosity:
The Bible encourages contentment and generosity as antidotes to squandering. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10 , Paul writes, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these." This passage reminds believers of the transient nature of material wealth and the importance of finding satisfaction in God's provision.

Practical Implications:
Believers are called to reflect on their own lives and consider how they are managing the resources God has given them. This includes financial resources, time, spiritual gifts, and opportunities. By avoiding the pitfalls of squandering, Christians can live lives that honor God, serve others, and build up the kingdom of God. The biblical teachings on squandering serve as a guide for living a life marked by wisdom, responsibility, and faithfulness.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Squander.1287. diaskorpizo -- generally to separate, spec. to winnow, fig. ...
... to winnow, fig. to squander NASB Word Usage scattered (6), scattered abroad (1),
squandered (1), squandering (1). disperse, scatter abroad, strew, waste. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1287.htm - 7k

Conversation and Public Speaking
... Beecher said: "How much squandering there is of the voice!" meaning that this
golden opportunity for improvement was generally disregarded. ...
/.../kleiser/talks on talking/conversation and public speaking.htm

Chrysostom as Deacon, Priest and Preacher at Antioch. AD 381-398.
... Julian himself relates this ludicrous farce, and vents his anger at the Antiochians
for squandering the rich incomes of the temple upon Christianity and ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter vi chrysostom as deacon priest.htm

The Heath in the Desert and the Tree by the River
... But if a man makes that fatal choice which so-many of us are making, of shutting
out God from his confidence and his love, and squandering these upon earth and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the heath in the desert.htm

Thou Shalt not Steal.
... work of liberality, so it is also in all the other Commandments, and without such
faith liberality is of no worth, but rather a careless squandering of money. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt not steal.htm

Thoughts on Talking
... Now"Bishop Paget. * * * *. How much squandering there is of the voice! How little
is there of the advantage that may come from conversational tones! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/thoughts on talking.htm

Clairvoyance
... To a worker with this mind, so far as spiritual uses are concerned therefore,
work is vanity"an unaccountable squandering of precious time. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/clairvoyance.htm

Preface.
... Behind him he leaves a desert, a deformed and ruined land; for childish desire of
destruction, or thoughtless squandering of vegetable treasures, has destroyed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/preface.htm

The Lapse of Time.
... Doubtless an inspired prophet saw far more clearly than we can see, the madness
of men in squandering that treasure upon sin, which is meant to buy their chief ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon i the lapse of.htm

The Bishop's Burthen
... Let us not grow over-scandalized because our men of letters of to-day have debased
the value of complimentary language by squandering and exaggerating it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iii the bishops burthen.htm

Esther's Venture
... All men are stewards, and God gives His servants their 'talents,' not for selfish
squandering or hoarding, but to trade with, and to pay the profits to Him. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/esthers venture.htm

Squandering (1 Occurrence)
... n.) of Squander. Multi-Version Concordance Squandering (1 Occurrence). Luke 16:1
He also said to his disciples, "There was a certain rich man who had a manager. ...
/s/squandering.htm - 6k

Waste (668 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) The act of wasting, or the state of being wasted; a squandering; needless
destruction; useless consumption or expenditure; devastation; loss without ...
/w/waste.htm - 37k

Squandered (2 Occurrences)

/s/squandered.htm - 7k

Squanders (1 Occurrence)

/s/squanders.htm - 6k

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