What does the Bible say about extravagance?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible warns that extravagance, marked by self-indulgent love of pleasure and wasteful living, can impoverish the soul and lead to ruin, while commending wise, grateful stewardship of God’s gifts. Proverbs 21:17 teaches that one devoted to pleasure will become poor, and Proverbs 21:20 contrasts the wise person who stores up precious resources with the fool who consumes all he has. In Luke 16:19, the rich man’s lavish daily living is set against his hard-hearted neglect of Lazarus, showing that luxury without mercy is spiritually dangerous. Christians may receive good gifts with thanksgiving, but should resist greed, practice generosity, and use possessions faithfully for God’s glory and neighbor’s good.