The Vanity of Extravagant Purchases: A Biblical Perspective

Here is the question: Is purchasing a $17 million dollar pair of shoes something from God?  Only one pair? It's seems like a ridiculous question but each of us will need to look in the mirror and with the same judgement ask the same question about our purchases.  The real question is where is  the need for that purchase coming from?

Let see what the word says...

In today’s world, extravagant purchases—like multi-million-dollar shoes or private jets—are often seen as status symbols, representations of power, and a means to showcase wealth. From shoes encrusted with diamonds to luxurious yachts, these items may captivate our imagination, but what do such purchases truly signify, and how do they align with our Christian values?

Vanity vs. Godliness

In the Bible, God promises to provide for all our needs. Psalm 37:4 tells us, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” God is faithful to provide for His people, and when we trust Him, He grants us the things our hearts desire. However, we must discern between desires rooted in godliness and those born of vanity.

Purchases like $17 million shoes or custom-made jets are not about necessity or even desire—they are about power, influence, and igniting covetousness. In many cases, they stem from a place of wanting more than others or having something so rare and unique that it sets the owner above the rest. The Bible speaks clearly on the dangers of this mindset.

The Sin of Covetousness

The Bible repeatedly warns against coveting. In Exodus 20:17, one of the Ten Commandments tells us, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” Coveting is a dangerous condition of the heart that leads to dissatisfaction, envy, and strife. It is wanting something simply because someone else has it or because it elevates us in the eyes of others. But the same holds true when we buy something in order for others to want it from us! 

Extravagant purchases like multi-million-dollar shoes are the epitome of covetousness—they are designed to provoke envy, to showcase one’s superiority, and to feed pride. They encourage us to focus on what we lack, instead of being content with what we have. But the Bible also teaches us something entirely different.

Learning Contentment

Philippians 4:11-12 says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” True contentment comes not from possessions, but from trusting God’s provision. Is it possible to be truly content in this world? I probably would have said no, until I learned what it meant to be truly rich in Christ Jesus. This level of richness is 

When we place our value in material things, we become enslaved to them. We are constantly seeking more—more status, more wealth, more admiration. This kind of life is exhausting and empty because it is not grounded in God’s truth. Contentment, however, allows us to rest in the peace of knowing that God is enough and that our worth is not tied to what we own or how much we spend.

The True Source of Extravagance

If these types of extravagant, vanity-driven purchases are not from God, then we must consider their true source. The enemy is a master at deceiving us into believing that material wealth and extravagant possessions will fulfill us. He lures us into thinking that our value lies in what we own rather than in who we are in Christ. But Jesus teaches us that “life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15).

When we seek after things for the sake of power, recognition, or to outdo others, we are playing into the enemy’s hand. This leads to pride, greed, and a heart that is far from God. Instead of being driven by vanity, we are called to live lives of humility, generosity, and simplicity.

A Godly Approach to Money and Possessions

God’s Word gives us a clear road map for how we should handle money and possessions. We are called to be stewards, not consumers driven by selfish desires. Proverbs 30:8-9 wisely says, “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

Instead of chasing after extravagant and vanity-driven purchases, we should seek to honor God with what we have. God calls us to use our resources to bless others, support His Kingdom, and take care of the needy. When we live with a generous heart, God’s blessings flow not just to us, but through us.

Final Thoughts

Extravagant, vanity-driven purchases are a reflection of a world that values power, status, and wealth above all else. But as followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard. We are called to live lives of contentment, generosity, and humility, knowing that our true worth comes not from what we own, but from our identity in Christ.

As we walk this journey, let us keep our hearts and minds focused on what truly matters—honoring God, loving others, and stewarding well the resources He has given us. For in the end, it is not the material things we possess that will matter, but how we lived for His glory.