Definition and Context:
The term "squander" refers to the reckless and wasteful use of resources, whether they be financial, material, or spiritual. 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 emphasizes the importance of managing resources wisely and being accountable for what God has entrusted to individuals.

Biblical References:

1. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32):
One of the most well-known biblical accounts of squandering is the Parable of the Prodigal Son. In this parable, Jesus tells the account of a younger son who demands his inheritance from his father and then "squandered his wealth in wild living" (Luke 15:13). This narrative illustrates the consequences of reckless living and the grace of repentance and forgiveness. The prodigal son's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of squandering one's resources and the importance of returning to the Father.

2. Proverbs on Wealth and Wisdom:
The Book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, particularly in their handling of resources. Proverbs 21:20 states, "Precious treasures and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them" . This verse highlights the value of prudence and the folly of wastefulness. The wise person is depicted as one who preserves and multiplies resources, while the fool squanders them.

3. Stewardship and Accountability (Matthew 25:14-30):
The Parable of the Talents underscores the principle of stewardship. In this parable, a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money before leaving on a journey. Upon his return, he holds them accountable for how they managed his resources. The servant who buried his talent and failed to invest it is rebuked for his lack of initiative and poor stewardship. This parable teaches that squandering opportunities and resources is a failure to fulfill one's responsibilities before God.

4. Warnings Against Laziness (Proverbs 24:30-34):
Laziness is often linked to squandering in the Bible. Proverbs 24:30-34 describes the field of a sluggard, overgrown with thorns and weeds, as a result of neglect. The passage warns that poverty will come upon the lazy person "like a robber" (Proverbs 24:34). This imagery serves as a warning that squandering time and effort through laziness leads to ruin.

5. Ecclesiastes on Vanity and Meaninglessness:
The Book of Ecclesiastes reflects on the futility of pursuing wealth and pleasure without purpose. Ecclesiastes 5:10 states, "He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile" . The pursuit of material wealth for its own sake is seen as a form of squandering one's life on vanity, emphasizing the need for a God-centered approach to resources.

Theological Implications:
Squandering is not merely a financial issue but a spiritual one. It reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's purposes. The Bible calls believers to be wise stewards of all that God has given them, recognizing that everything ultimately belongs to Him. Squandering resources is seen as a failure to honor God and fulfill one's calling. The biblical narrative encourages repentance, redemption, and a return to faithful stewardship, as exemplified in the account of the Prodigal Son.

Precious Deaths
... Our glorious Leader never squanders the lives of his soldiers; he values the church
militant beyond all price; and though he permits his saints to lay down ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/precious deaths.htm

Certain General Principles of Parabolic Interpretation These ...
... For if it is a Christian who, after wandering far from his Father, squanders, by
living heathenishly, the "substance" received from God his Father,"(the ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter ix certain general principles of.htm

The Consequences of Sin.
... follow. When a man squanders his fortune by extravagance, he may bitterly
repent, but he continues to suffer for his folly. When ...
/.../xlvii the consequences of sin.htm

Cost of Discipleship must be Counted.
... [The tower can not be built by him who spends his time or squanders his money on
other enterprises, nor can the peace be maintained by one who does not fully ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xci cost of discipleship must.htm

Whether one Ought to Give Alms Out of what one Needs?
... Objection 2: Further, whoever gives away what he needs himself, squanders his own
substance, and that is to be a prodigal, according to the Philosopher (Ethic. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one ought to give.htm

Whether Prodigality is Opposite to Covetousness?
... stated above ([3256]FS, Q[62], A[3]). Now prodigality seems always to be directed
to some unlawful end, for the sake of which the prodigal squanders his goods. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether prodigality is opposite to.htm

Its Nature
... having transgressed that law"though his criminality has not canceled his obligation
to obey the law any more than a man who recklessly squanders his money is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/5 its nature.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. vi. 19, "Lay not up for ...
... hath amassed. So another by dissoluteness [2105] squanders what thou by
much toil hast gathered together. But I pass over this. It ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon x on the words.htm

Repentance and Restitution.
... forgive him. You would be doing him an injustice. Suppose he goes to your
desk, and steals [USD]10, and squanders it. When you come ...
/.../the way to god and how to find it/chapter vi repentance and restitution.htm

On Sin and Its Kinds
... God. Besides all this he squanders the money he should put to a better
use and turns God's gifts into a means of offending Him. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 6 on sin and.htm

Squanders (1 Occurrence)
...Squanders (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 29:3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father;
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. (WEB RSV NIV). ...
/s/squanders.htm - 6k

Waster (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who, or that which, wastes; one who squanders;
one who consumes or expends extravagantly; a spendthrift; a prodigal. ...
/w/waster.htm - 8k

Prostitutes (19 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Proverbs 29:3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but
a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. (WEB NIV). ...
/p/prostitutes.htm - 12k

Squandering (1 Occurrence)

/s/squandering.htm - 6k

Companion (44 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Proverbs 29:3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy
to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. ...
/c/companion.htm - 20k

Tobit
... in life. Upon growing up the young man turns out badly and squanders,
not only his own money, but that of Achiqar. When rebuked ...
/t/tobit.htm - 34k

Anaharath (1 Occurrence)
... in life. Upon growing up the young man turns out badly and squanders,
not only his own money, but that of Achiqar. When rebuked ...
/a/anaharath.htm - 87k

Loves (97 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 29:3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father;
but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/loves.htm - 34k

Square (94 Occurrences)

/s/square.htm - 39k

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

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