Self Indulgence(extravagance)
Summary
The sinful disposition of giving oneself over to excessive pleasure, luxury, and sensual gratification, condemned throughout Scripture.
☩Definition
Self-indulgence (also called luxury or extravagance) is a disposition of mind addicted to pleasure, riot, and superfluities. It involves giving oneself up to pleasure and indulging to excess. Such indulgence is characterized by vain and useless expenses, parade beyond one's means, affecting to be above one's rank, and living in splendor harmful to the public good.
☩Biblical Examples
Solomon experimented with self-indulgence, denying himself no pleasure, yet concluded it was all vanity. Jesus told of a rich fool who planned to build bigger barns and live in ease and luxury, only to face death that very night. The rich man who feasted sumptuously every day while Lazarus starved at his gate ended in torment.
☩Warnings
Scripture consistently warns against the dangers of luxury and self-indulgence. It leads to spiritual deadness, neglect of eternal matters, and hardness of heart toward the poor. The antidote includes self-denial, temperance, and generosity toward those in need.
Related Verses5 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Luxury," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Luxury," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Luxury," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 4.John McClintock and James Strong, "Luxury," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Luxury," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).