Topical Encyclopedia
Dissipation, in a biblical context, refers to a lifestyle characterized by excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, wastefulness, and a lack of self-control. It is often associated with behaviors that lead to moral and spiritual decay, drawing individuals away from a life of righteousness and godliness.
The term "dissipation" is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, highlighting its destructive nature and the spiritual dangers it poses. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns against such behavior in his epistles. In
Ephesians 5:18, Paul instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Here, dissipation is linked with drunkenness, emphasizing the loss of control and the reckless behavior that often accompanies it.
Similarly, in the parable of the prodigal son found in
Luke 15:11-32, Jesus illustrates the concept of dissipation through the actions of the younger son. The son demands his inheritance and squanders it in "wild living" (
Luke 15:13). This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of a dissipated lifestyle, which ultimately leads to poverty and despair. The prodigal son's eventual repentance and return to his father symbolize the hope of redemption and restoration for those who turn away from such a lifestyle.
The Apostle Peter also addresses the issue of dissipation in his writings. In
1 Peter 4:3-4, he reminds believers of their past lives, saying, "For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles, living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you." Peter contrasts the former life of dissipation with the new life in Christ, urging believers to live in accordance with God's will.
The Bible consistently portrays dissipation as contrary to the virtues of self-control, temperance, and wisdom.
Proverbs 21:17 warns, "He who loves pleasure will become poor; he who loves wine and oil will never be rich." This proverb underscores the futility and eventual ruin that accompany a life devoted to excess and indulgence.
In the broader biblical narrative, dissipation is often linked with the rejection of God's commandments and the pursuit of worldly desires. It stands in opposition to the call for holiness and the pursuit of a life that reflects the character of Christ. Believers are encouraged to exercise self-discipline and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in overcoming the temptations of a dissipated lifestyle.
Overall, the biblical perspective on dissipation serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life that honors God, characterized by moderation, self-control, and a focus on spiritual growth.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of dispersing; separation; dispersion; wasting away; as, dissipation of wealth.
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, riotous living, etc.; dissoluteness.
3. (n.) A trifle which wastes time or distracts attention.
Greek
2897. kraipale -- drunken nausea ... nausea. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: kraipale Phonetic Spelling:
(krahee-pal'-ay) Short Definition: drunken
dissipation Definition: drunken
... 810. asotia -- unsavedness, ie wastefulness
... Word Origin from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and sozo Definition unsavedness, ie
wastefulness NASB Word Usage dissipation (3). excess, debauchery. ...
Library
On Dissipation
... Second Series Sermon 79 On Dissipation. "This I speak " that ye may attend
upon the Lord without distraction." 1:Cor.7:35. 1. Almost ...
The Swelling of Jordan
... Men of to-day are in caves of different sorts; some in the cave of dissipation,
others in the cave of infidelity, and still others in the cave of morality. ...
Letter i. --Aridity and Weakness.
... The attraction you feel to give yourself entirely to Him, and live a wholly interior
life in spite of the dissipation of your mind, and the rebellion of nature ...
The Choice of Pursuits.
... its satisfaction is suspended; and in the hour of despair and urgent necessity,
they resort to crime in order to meet their wants, or to dissipation in order ...
On Riches
... This is at present usually termed dissipation,"a pretty name, affixed by the great
vulgar to an utter disregard for God, and indeed for the whole invisible ...
Forgiveness and Retribution.
... no repentance will send the shadow back upon the dial, or recover the ground lost
by idleness, or restore the constitution shattered by dissipation, or give ...
The Children's Patrimony.
... And when their wealth descends to them, they soon spend it all in a life of dissipation;
so that in a few years they find themselves poor, and friendless, and ...
On the Life and Poetic Genius of Edward Young.
... works. Little else is known of his career at College. He is said to have
blended fits of study with frequent dissipation. When he ...
The Difference Between Walking by Sight, and Walking by Faith
... 20. From all that has been said, it may be seen, with the utmost clearness, what
is the nature of that fashionable thing called dissipation. ...
In what Sense we are to Leave the World
... capable; in particular pride, vanity, censoriousness, evil surmising, proneness
to revenge: While, on the other hand levity, gaiety, and dissipation steal upon ...
Thesaurus
Dissipation (4 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of dispersing; separation; dispersion;
wasting away; as,
dissipation of wealth.
...Dissipation (4 Occurrences).
...Undo (9 Occurrences)
... to ruin, as in reputation, morals, hopes, or the like; as, many are undone by
unavoidable losses, but more undo themselves by vices and dissipation, or by ...
Leads (64 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Ephesians 5:18 Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation,
but be filled with the Spirit, (See NIV). Colossians ...
Excess (20 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) An undue indulgence of the appetite; transgression of proper moderation
in natural gratifications; intemperance; dissipation. ...
Dissipated (1 Occurrence)
Drunk (84 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 5:18 Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled
with the Spirit, (Root in WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
Drunken (38 Occurrences)
... shame. (WEY). Ephesians 5:18 Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation,
but be filled with the Spirit, (WEB ASV). 1 Thessalonians ...
Dissoluteness (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) State or quality of being dissolute; looseness of
morals and manners; addictedness to sinful pleasures; debauchery; dissipation. ...
Dissolute (1 Occurrence)
Dissolution (1 Occurrence)
... 8. (n.) Destruction of anything by the separation of its parts; ruin. 9. (n.)
Corruption of morals; dissipation; dissoluteness. Multi-Version Concordance ...
Resources
Is it wrong to have a fantasy, according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgCan an unmarried man be a deacon or elder? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the biblical solutions for solving marriage problems? | GotQuestions.orgDissipation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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