Luxury

Opulence or grandeur of lifestyle which may be associated with wealth or status, especially royalty. Scripture warns of the dangers of unnecessary displays of luxury but encourages the right kind of splendour to reflect the glory and honour due to God.

Examples of luxurious lifestyles

The opulence of Solomon's court

1 Kings 10:21 parallel 2 Chronicles 9:20 See also 1 Kings 4:22–24 Solomon's daily provisions; 1 Kings 7:1 Solomon's palace1 Kings 10:18–20 parallel 2 Chronicles 9:17–19

All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.

Luxury enjoyed by other kings

Luke 7:25 parallel Matthew 11:8 See also 1 Samuel 8:11–17 Samuel warns Israel about what a king will demand of them; 2 Samuel 7:2 David; 2 Chronicles 32:27–29 Hezekiah; Esther 1:4–7 Xerxes; Daniel 4:30 Nebuchadnezzar

Otherwise, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Look, those who wear elegant clothing and live in luxury are found in palaces.

Luxury enjoyed by the wealthy

Luke 16:19 The rich man in Jesus Christ's parable. See also Isaiah 3:18–23 upper-class women of Zion; Amos 6:4–6 the wealthy of Israel

Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor.

Luxury accompanying high status

Genesis 41:41–43 Esther 6:7–8, Esther 8:15; Daniel 5:29 Daniel

Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck. He had Joseph ride in his second chariot, with men calling out before him, “Bow the knee!” So he placed him over all the land of Egypt.

Luxury enjoyed by a bride

Psalm 45:13–15 See also Isaiah 61:10; Jeremiah 2:32; Revelation 21:2

All glorious is the princess in her chamber; her gown is embroidered with gold. In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you. They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.

Luxury and poverty

Luxury at the expense of the poor

James 5:4–5 See also Jeremiah 22:13–14 King Jehoiakim; Ezekiel 34:3 the leaders of Israel

Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen 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.

Luxury brings responsibility to the poor

1 Timothy 6:18 See also Jeremiah 22:15–16; Luke 16:20–21, Luke 19:8; Acts 4:34–35

Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,

The perils of luxury

Luxury brings a false sense of security

Luke 12:19 See also Job 31:24–25; Proverbs 11:28; 1 Timothy 6:17

Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’

Luxury distracts from God

Deuteronomy 32:15 See also Deuteronomy 8:13–14; Matthew 13:22 parallels Mark 4:19, Luke 8:14; Matthew 19:21–24 parallels Mark 10:21–23, Luke 18:21–24; 1 Timothy 6:10

But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked— becoming fat, bloated, and gorged. He abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation.

Earthly luxury does not last

Matthew 6:19 See also Proverbs 23:5, Proverbs 27:24; Isaiah 13:22 The luxurious lifestyle of the wicked will be swept away by God's judgment; James 5:1–3; Revelation 18:7–9

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

The right attitude to luxury

Philippians 4:11–12 See also 1 Samuel 2:7; Job 1:21

I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. In any and every situation I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry, of having plenty and having need.

The true source of beauty

1 Peter 3:3–4 See also 1 Timothy 2:9–10

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

Luxury reflecting God's glory

Exodus 25:3–9 parallel Exodus 35:5–9 materials for the tabernacle; Exodus 28:4–5 the priestly garments; 1 Kings 6:14–35 parallel 2 Chronicles 3:4–14 the splendour of Solomon's temple; Mark 13:1 parallel Luke 21:5 the magnificence of Herod's temple; Revelation 21:15–21 the glory of the new Jerusalem