In the Bible, luxury is often associated with excess, indulgence, and a focus on material wealth rather than spiritual richness. The Scriptures frequently warn against the dangers of luxury, as it can lead to pride, moral decay, and a departure from reliance on God.

The prophet Amos speaks against the luxurious lifestyles of the Israelites, condemning their complacency and indulgence while neglecting justice and righteousness. Amos 6:4-6 states, "You lie on beds inlaid with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves. You strum on your harps like David and improvise on musical instruments. You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph."

In the New Testament, Jesus warns against the deceitfulness of wealth and the dangers of storing up treasures on earth. In Matthew 6:19-21 , He instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of luxury and wealth, urging believers to be content with what they have and to avoid the love of money. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10 , he 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."

Fools

The Bible frequently contrasts wisdom with folly, portraying fools as those who reject God's wisdom and guidance. Fools are often characterized by their lack of discernment, pride, and refusal to heed correction.

Proverbs, a book dedicated to imparting wisdom, contains numerous references to fools. Proverbs 1:7 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse highlights the foundational error of fools: their disregard for the reverence and instruction of the Lord.

Fools are also depicted as those who speak without thinking and act without understanding. Proverbs 18:2 states, "A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions." This suggests that fools are more interested in expressing their own views than in seeking truth or understanding.

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the folly of building one's life on anything other than His teachings. In Matthew 7:26-27 , He warns, "But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse."

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the folly of those who reject God. In Romans 1:21-22 , he writes, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools."

Throughout Scripture, fools are warned of the consequences of their actions, and believers are encouraged to seek wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord and is found in obedience to His Word.