Squandered
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The term "squandered" refers to the reckless or wasteful use of resources, time, or opportunities. In the biblical context, squandering is often associated with poor stewardship and a lack of wisdom, which are contrary to the teachings of Scripture. The Bible provides several examples and teachings that highlight the consequences of squandering and the importance of wise management of God-given resources.

Biblical Examples:

1. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32): One of the most well-known parables illustrating the concept of squandering is the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In this account, a younger son demands his share of the inheritance from his father and subsequently "squandered his wealth in wild living" (Luke 15:13). This reckless behavior leads to his downfall, leaving him destitute and in need. The parable emphasizes repentance and forgiveness, as the son returns to his father, who welcomes him back with open arms. This account serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of squandering and the grace available through repentance.

2. The Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13): In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, five of the virgins are described as foolish because they squandered their opportunity to prepare adequately for the bridegroom's arrival. They failed to bring extra oil for their lamps and were unprepared when the bridegroom came. This parable underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness, warning against the squandering of time and opportunities to be ready for the Lord's return.

3. The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21): Jesus tells the parable of a rich man whose land produced abundantly. Instead of using his wealth wisely, he decides to build larger barns to store his surplus and live a life of ease. God calls him a fool, saying, "This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?" (Luke 12:20). This parable highlights the futility of squandering resources on selfish pursuits without regard for God's kingdom.

Biblical Teachings:

1. Stewardship: The Bible teaches that everything we have is a gift from God, and we are called to be good stewards of these resources. In 1 Peter 4:10 , it is written, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." Squandering resources is contrary to the biblical principle of stewardship, which calls for responsible and purposeful use of what God has entrusted to us.

2. Wisdom and Planning: Proverbs 21:20 states, "Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them." This verse highlights the value of wisdom and prudent planning in managing resources. Squandering is often the result of foolishness and a lack of foresight, leading to unnecessary loss and hardship.

3. Contentment and Generosity: The Bible encourages contentment and generosity as antidotes to squandering. In 1 Timothy 6:6-7 , Paul writes, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." By cultivating contentment and a spirit of generosity, believers can avoid the pitfalls of squandering and instead invest in eternal treasures.

In summary, the Bible provides clear guidance on the dangers of squandering and the virtues of wise stewardship, vigilance, and generosity. Through parables and teachings, Scripture calls believers to manage their resources with wisdom and purpose, honoring God in all things.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(imp. & p. p.) of Squander.
Greek
1287. diaskorpizo -- generally to separate, spec. to winnow, fig. ...
... to winnow, fig. to squander NASB Word Usage scattered (6), scattered abroad (1),
squandered (1), squandering (1). disperse, scatter abroad, strew, waste. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1287.htm - 7k
Library

And There came unto Him Publicans and Sinners to Hear his Word. .. ...
... And after a few days the younger son gathered everything that belonged to him, and
went into a [15] far country, and there squandered his property by living ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxvi and there came.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Mark viii. 34, "If any Man Would Come ...
... my Father's are eating bread, and I here perish with hunger!" [3161] But when the
son in the parable says this, what is said of him, who had squandered all he ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xlvi on the words.htm

Certain General Principles of Parabolic Interpretation These ...
... This ("substance"), accordingly, he "squandered;" having been cast by his moral
habits far from the Lord, amid the errors and allurements and appetites of the ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter ix certain general principles of.htm

On Our First Parents and their Fall
... future. But alas! their hopes are vain. The father begins to drink or gamble,
and soon the great fortune is squandered. House after ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 5 on our first.htm

Examples from Scripture to Prove the Lord's Willingness to Pardon.
... He, then, will receive you, His own son, [8504] back, even if you have squandered
what you had received from Him, even if you return naked"just because you ...
/.../tertullian/on repentance/chapter viii examples from scripture to.htm

Of the Prodigal Son.
... And accordingly the Jew at the present day, no less than the younger son, having
squandered God's substance, is a beggar in alien territory, serving even until ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter viii of the prodigal son.htm

First Day. Compassion.
... bounties! If He has given you of this world's substance, remember it is bestowed,
not to be greedily hoarded or lavishly squandered. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/first day compassion.htm

The Choice of Pursuits.
... The parental legacy may soon be squandered by the child, and he be left without
funds or friends; the emergencies of the future may increase beyond all ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xxi the choice of.htm

Footnotes
... shows of piety, but destitute of its reality. Their vital sap was squandered
upon leaves. And as the fruitless tree, failing to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/memories of bethany/footnotes.htm

Twenty-Seventh Day. Activity in Duty.
... A judgment-day come"our golden moments squandered"our talents untraded on"our
work undone"met at the bar of Heaven with the withering repulse ...
/.../macduff/the mind of jesus/twenty-seventh day activity in duty.htm

Thesaurus
Squandered (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Squander. Multi-Version Concordance
Squandered (2 Occurrences). Luke 15:13 Not many days ...
/s/squandered.htm - 7k

Lost (85 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) Not employed or enjoyed; thrown away; employed ineffectually; wasted;
squandered; as, a lost day; a lost opportunity or benefit. ...
/l/lost.htm - 32k

Dissipation (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A dissolute course of life, in which health, money, etc., are squandered
in pursuit of pleasure; profuseness in vicious indulgence, as late hours ...
/d/dissipation.htm - 7k

Dissipated (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (imp. & pp) of Dissipate. 2. (a.) Squandered; scattered. 3. (a.) Wasteful of
health, money, etc., in the pursuit of pleasure; dissolute; intemperate. ...
/d/dissipated.htm - 7k

Squall (2 Occurrences)

/s/squall.htm - 7k

Squandering (1 Occurrence)

/s/squandering.htm - 6k

Resources
What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son? | GotQuestions.org

How should Christians view religious liberty? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about estrangement? | GotQuestions.org

Squandered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Squandered (2 Occurrences)

Luke 15:13
Not many days after, the younger son gathered all of this together and traveled into a far country. There he wasted his property with riotous living.
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Luke 15:30
But when this, your son, came, who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.'
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Squandered

Related Terms

Waste (668 Occurrences)

Squandered (2 Occurrences)

Squanders (1 Occurrence)

Squall
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