Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, houses often symbolize security, stability, and the fruit of one's labor. However, Scripture frequently reminds believers of the inherent insecurity in placing trust solely in earthly dwellings and possessions. The Bible underscores the transient nature of material wealth and the folly of relying on it for ultimate security.Biblical Illustrations and Teachings 1. The Parable of the Rich Fool: In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells the parable of a rich man whose land produced abundantly. The man decides to tear down his barns to build larger ones, thinking he can then "take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry" (Luke 12:19). However, God calls him a fool, for that very night his life would be demanded of him. This parable illustrates the futility of placing trust in earthly wealth and possessions, as they cannot secure one's life or future. 2. The Sermon on the Mount: Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21, "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" . This passage emphasizes the insecurity of earthly treasures and the importance of investing in eternal, heavenly riches. 3. The House Built on the Rock: In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus contrasts two builders: one who builds his house on the rock and another on sand. When storms come, only the house on the rock stands firm. This parable highlights the importance of building one's life on the solid foundation of Christ's teachings rather than the shifting sands of worldly security. 4. The Temporary Nature of Earthly Dwellings: Hebrews 11:9-10 speaks of Abraham living in tents as a foreigner in the promised land, looking forward to "the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" . This reflects the understanding that earthly homes are temporary, and true security is found in the eternal dwelling prepared by God. 5. Warnings in the Wisdom Literature: Proverbs 11:28 warns, "He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf" . Similarly, Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 observes the insatiable nature of wealth and its inability to satisfy the soul, further underscoring the insecurity of relying on material possessions. Conclusion The Bible consistently teaches that while houses and material possessions can provide temporary comfort and security, they are ultimately unreliable and fleeting. True security and lasting peace are found in a relationship with God and in the eternal promises He offers. Believers are encouraged to place their trust in God, who is unchanging and faithful, rather than in the impermanent structures and wealth of this world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 6:19,20Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Homilies on the Statues. The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Resources What is a house blessing? Is a house blessing biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs a house dedication a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.org How could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads? | GotQuestions.org Houses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Houses in Cities, Built in Streets Houses of Brick or Clay: Easily Broken Through Houses of Brick or Clay: Often Swept Away by Torrents Houses of Brick or Clay: Plastered Houses of Criminals, Desolated Houses: (Building of) of Great Prosperity Houses: (Built and not Inhabited) of Calamity Houses: (Insecurity of) of Earthly Trust Houses: (On a Rock) the Hope of Saints Houses: (On Sand) the Delusive Hope of Hypocrites Houses: (To Inhabit Those, Built by Others) Abundant Feelings Houses: Accessible from the Outside Houses: Admission To, Gained by Knocking at the Door Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Ceiled and Painted Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Hung With Rich Tapestries Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Inlaid With Ivory Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Large and Airy Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Warmed With Fires Houses: Built of Hewn or Cut Stone Houses: Built of Stone and Wood Houses: Custom of Fastening Nails, in Walls of, Alluded To Houses: Deep and Solid Foundations Required For Houses: Desolation of, Threatened As a Punishment Houses: Divided Into Apartments Houses: Doors of, How Fastened Houses: Doors of, Low and Small for Safety Houses: Entered by a Gate or Door Houses: had often Detached Apartments for Secrecy and for Strangers Houses: had often Several Stories Houses: Law Respecting the Sale of Houses: Often Broken Down to Repair City Walls Before Sieges Houses: Often Built on City Walls Houses: Serpents often Lodged in Walls of Houses: Sometimes Built Without Foundation Houses: Street Windows of, High and Dangerous Houses: The Courts of, Large and Used As Apartments Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Booths on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Idolatrous Altars on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of Often Covered With Week Grass Houses: The Flat Roofs of Resorted to in Grief Houses: The Flat Roofs of Surrounded With Battlements Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Devotion Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Drying Flax Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Exercise Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Making Proclamations Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Secret Conference Houses: Upper Apartments of, the Best, and Used for Entertainments Houses: when Finished Were Usually Dedicated Related Terms |
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