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In the context of the Bible, the concept of "consumers" can be understood through various lenses, including economic, spiritual, and moral dimensions. While the term "consumer" as used in modern economic parlance does not appear explicitly in the Scriptures, the Bible provides numerous teachings and principles that relate to consumption, stewardship, and the use of resources.

Economic Consumption

The Bible addresses the use and management of resources extensively. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were given laws that governed their economic activities, including consumption. For instance, the principle of gleaning, as seen inLeviticus 19:9-10, allowed the poor and the foreigner to consume the leftovers of the harvest: "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God."

This principle highlights a community-oriented approach to consumption, where resources are shared and not hoarded, ensuring that even the marginalized have access to basic necessities.

Spiritual Consumption

The Bible also speaks to the spiritual aspect of consumption. InIsaiah 55:1-2, the prophet invites the people to consume what truly satisfies: "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without cost. Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods."

This passage emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment over material consumption, urging believers to prioritize their spiritual well-being and relationship with God over the pursuit of material goods.

Moral and Ethical Consumption

The New Testament further develops the theme of ethical consumption. In1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul instructs Timothy to guide the wealthy in their consumption: "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."

This passage underscores the responsibility of those with resources to use them wisely and generously, reflecting a heart of gratitude and stewardship rather than selfishness and greed.

Warnings Against Excessive Consumption

The Bible also warns against excessive consumption and the dangers of materialism. InLuke 12:15, Jesus cautions, "Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." This warning serves as a reminder that the pursuit of material wealth and excessive consumption can lead to spiritual impoverishment.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not use the term "consumer" in the modern sense, its teachings provide a comprehensive framework for understanding consumption from a biblical perspective. Through principles of stewardship, community care, spiritual nourishment, and ethical responsibility, believers are called to approach consumption in a way that honors God and serves others.

Besides These Men, There is Still Another Class, -- Inventors of...
... children of the materialists of the Eighteenth Century, see in humanity, only matter
and the things that belong to matter; in men, onlyconsumers and producers...

The Riot at Philippi
... And when Christian people set themselves against these abominations, capital takes
the command of the mob of drink-sellers andconsumers, or of those from...

Naked or Clothed?
... Possessed, it cannot satisfy, for the appetite grows with indulgence. Its increase
barely keeps pace with the increase of itsconsumers....

Laboring under Difficulties
... entrusted to them. They forget that by trading wisely on the talents lent
them they are to be producers as well asconsumers. If they...

The Solidarity of the Human Family
... Is it a denial of fellowship to exact monopoly profit fromconsumers, or to
take advantage of the ignorance or necessities of a buyer?...

The Tangled Web
... A hungry dog, probably the last one to escape the execution which had been meted
out to all uselessconsumers of food, barked at her heels and brought her up...

Parasitism.
... the soul. Our churches overflow with members who are mereconsumers. Their
interest in religion is purely parasitic. Their only...

Private Property and the Common Good
... hand property is used as a means of collecting tribute and private taxes, as a club
with which to extort unearned gain from laborers andconsumers, and as the...

Reclaiming a Church to Meet a New Age
... throughout the community, such as the Juvenile Protective Association, the Bureau
of Municipal Research, the Hospital Services, theConsumers' League, the Anti...

The Epistle of Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria to Alexander...
... Presbyter. [256] chriostemporia. The word christemporos is applied in the
"Didache" to lazyconsumers of alms. Cf. Ps. Ignat. ad...

Consumers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version ConcordanceConsumers (1 Occurrence). Ecclesiastes 5:11 In
the multiplying of good have itsconsumers been multiplied...

Consumes (21 Occurrences)

Multiplying (23 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Ecclesiastes 5:11 In the multiplying of good have itsconsumers been multiplied,
and what benefit 'is' to its possessor except the sight of his eyes?...

Possessor (12 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Ecclesiastes 5:11 In the multiplying of good have itsconsumers been
multiplied, and what benefit 'is' to its possessor except the sight of his eyes?...

Consumer (1 Occurrence)

Benefit (39 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Ecclesiastes 5:11 In the multiplying of good have itsconsumers been multiplied,
and what benefit 'is' to its possessor except the sight of his eyes?...

Multiplied (109 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Ecclesiastes 5:11 In the multiplying of good have itsconsumers been
multiplied, and what benefit 'is' to its possessor except the sight of his eyes?...

Consume (136 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Ecclesiastes 5:11 In the multiplying of good have itsconsumers been multiplied,
and what benefit 'is' to its possessor except the sight of his eyes?...

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