Topical Bible: Riches: Often Lead to Sensual Indulgence

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The Bible frequently addresses the topic of riches and the potential spiritual dangers they pose. From a biblical perspective, wealth is not inherently evil, but it often leads individuals away from God and into a life of sensual indulgence and moral compromise.

Old Testament Insights

In the Old Testament, the wisdom literature provides numerous warnings about the seductive nature of wealth. Proverbs 11:28 states, "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf." This verse highlights the transient nature of wealth and the danger of placing trust in material possessions rather than in God.

The account of Solomon serves as a poignant example. Although Solomon was blessed with immense wealth and wisdom, his riches eventually led him to indulge in excess and idolatry. 1 Kings 11:4 recounts, "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and he was not wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD his God, as his father David had been." Solomon's wealth facilitated his sensual indulgence, leading him away from his devotion to God.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus frequently addressing the spiritual perils of wealth. In the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus warns against the accumulation of wealth without regard for one's spiritual state. Luke 12:20-21 reads, "But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God."

The Apostle Paul also cautions against the love of money, which can lead to various forms of indulgence and spiritual ruin. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10 , Paul writes, "Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."

Warnings and Exhortations

The Bible consistently warns believers to guard their hearts against the deceitfulness of riches. James 5:1-5 offers a stern admonition to the wealthy who indulge in luxury at the expense of righteousness: "Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. Look, the wages you withheld from the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter."

Spiritual Perspective

From a biblical standpoint, the pursuit of riches often leads to a life focused on earthly pleasures rather than eternal values. Believers are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), understanding that true contentment and fulfillment come from a relationship with God rather than material wealth. The Bible calls for a life of stewardship, where wealth is used to glorify God and serve others, rather than for self-indulgence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 16:19
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 5:5
You have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; you have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

{24A} Upon the Love of Our Neighbour. Preached on Advent Sunday.
... appetites, passions, affections, or the pursuits they lead to. ... There is often an
interfering in the former when there ... Thus as to riches: so much money as a man ...
//christianbookshelf.org/butler/human nature/sermon xi 24a upon the.htm

The Church of Notre Dame De Lorette in Paris with Its Yellow ...
... If it would utterly discard pomp and riches, if it would ... the prime of life are selected
to lead,"men of ... while vice and crime are tolerated and often excused. ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xiii the church of notre.htm

Letter Liv. To Furia.
... alone, implanted in men by God to lead them to ... wine for thy stomach's sake and thine
often infirmities." [1578 ... asks an alms of you, increase riches which are ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liv to furia.htm

The Extent and Reasonableness of Self-Denial
... self-indulgence, whence the reigning love of riches which we ... at the end; why should
not we lead the same ... 3. Thirdly, Think often on the pains of hell; consider ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the extent and reasonableness of.htm

A Caution against Various Temptations, by which the Young Convert ...
... a life of expense too, and may perhaps lead you, as ... Consider how often "a plentiful
table becomes a snare, and ... that they may lavish away their riches on their ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxi a caution against.htm

Dwight -- the Sovereignty of God
... Yet, when men have actually acquired riches and honor, or ... that your best concerted
plans will often fail, that your ... to take men by the hand, lead them through ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/dwight the sovereignty of.htm

Our Relations to the Departed
... the true blessing, the inward, everlasting riches, are for ... In their going away they
lead our thoughts out ... It is often needful that some shock of disappointment ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/our relations to the departed.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... to come to Him with all her previous riches, that these ... your breast and fortify your
brow by often making the ... of penitence, lest the thought of it lead us into ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

To the Right Honourable the Earl of Lichfield.
... Unseen thou lead'st me to delicious draughts. ... How often have I seen him dropp'd at
once,. Our morning's envy! ... All read their riches backward into loss,. ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/to the right honourable the.htm

Letter xxii. To Eustochium.
... another place, "have we not power to lead about wives ... Take care lest in too often
performing such offices ... warn you against boasting of your riches, or against ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxii to eustochium.htm