Last updated on October 27, 2020
Question:
Good day sir,
There’s something that has been on my mind. Is it a sin to buy expensive things? I’m not proud, and I don’t show off (at least I try not to seem arrogant or boastful), but I’m grateful that God has made my family privileged. Though I don’t overindulge in material things, once in a while I buy myself expensive things. I feel self-conscious and sometimes even worse because when my friends ask me how much I spent, or they see the price tag, they look at me like I’m crazy for spending that amount of money. I don’t buy expensive things to show off or to prove to people I can. I don’t have the mindset that if it’s not designer, I won’t wear it, but I can’t help but feel bad when I do. Is it wrong to buy expensive things?
Thank you.
Answer:
“Do not let your adornment be merely outward — arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel — rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (I Peter 3:3-4).
Having something expensive is not wrong, but when people notice you because of what you own instead of because of who you are, then there is a problem. For example, I can’t imagine showing someone the price tag of an item you bought. Nor would I buy something because it is expensive. If there is something needed and it happens to be expensive but I have the money set aside for it, that would be fine. However, often the better items are not always the most expensive item.
Just because you can buy something, it does not follow that it needs to be purchased. Make sure you have a purpose or reason for what you are buying.