Gluttony, the excessive consumption of food or drink, is a concept often overlooked in modern times. In this post, we’ll delve into Bible verses that address the dangers of gluttony and the importance of moderation.
Explore how these verses shed light on the physical and spiritual consequences of overindulgence and encourage a balanced approach to life.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Marriage Problems
Bible Verses About Gluttony
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
This verse warns against the dangers of excessive eating and drinking. It reminds us that indulging in gluttony can lead to poverty and laziness.
Philippians 3:19
“Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.”
This verse describes those who prioritize their appetite above all else. It highlights how a life focused on earthly desires can lead to spiritual destruction.
Proverbs 23:2
“Put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.”
This verse uses strong language to emphasize the importance of self-control when it comes to eating. It encourages us to take drastic measures to avoid falling into the trap of gluttony.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
This verse reminds us that our bodies are not our own, but rather temples of the Holy Spirit. We are called to honor God with our bodies, which includes practicing moderation in all things, including eating.
Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.”
This verse teaches us the importance of moderation. It uses the analogy of eating too much honey to illustrate the negative consequences of indulgence.
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
This verse reminds us that our focus should be on spiritual matters rather than indulging in worldly pleasures such as excessive eating or drinking.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
This verse lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control. It reminds us that through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can resist the temptation to overindulge in food and drink.
Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’”
This verse cautions us against the greed that often accompanies gluttony. It reminds us that true life and fulfillment cannot be found in material possessions or indulging in excess.
Proverbs 23:3
“Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.”
This verse warns against being enticed by the delicious but deceptive food of those who indulge in gluttony. It reminds us to exercise discernment and moderation.
Matthew 4:4
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’’”
This verse reminds us that true sustenance comes from the Word of God, not just physical food. It encourages us to prioritize our spiritual nourishment above our physical desires.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
This verse reminds us that all food is created by God and can be enjoyed with thanksgiving when received in a spirit of consecration and prayer.
Proverbs 25:27
“It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.”
This verse highlights the importance of moderation in all things. It warns against the negative consequences of indulging in gluttony and pursuing knowledge that is beyond our understanding.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse reminds us that every action, including eating and drinking, should be done with the intention of bringing glory to God. It encourages us to approach food and consumption with a spirit of gratitude and self-control.
Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
This verse paints a vivid picture of the negative consequences of lacking self-control. It compares a lack of self-control to a vulnerable city with broken defenses.
1 Corinthians 9:27
“No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and self-control. It encourages us to master our physical desires and appetites so that we may remain faithful to God’s calling.
Proverbs 23:21
“For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.”
This verse reiterates the consequences of indulging in gluttony and excess. It warns that those who give in to these temptations will ultimately experience poverty and the loss of dignity.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
This verse calls us to present ourselves as living sacrifices to God. It reminds us that our bodies are to be used for His glory and that includes practicing discipline and self-control in all areas of our lives, including our eating habits.
Ecclesiastes 10:17
“Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles and your princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness!”
This verse highlights the importance of feasting and indulging in a controlled manner. It suggests that feasting for the purpose of strength and nourishment is appropriate, but indulging in excess and drunkenness is not.
Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
This verse speaks to the practice of fasting, which involves voluntary self-denial. It reminds us that fasting is not to be done for show, but as a personal act of devotion to God.
Proverbs 25:27
“It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.”
This verse reiterates the importance of moderation and balance. It cautions against both overindulging in food and pursuing knowledge that is beyond our comprehension.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle we face. It encourages us to be vigilant and self-controlled, knowing that our adversary seeks to tempt us with various desires, including the temptation to overindulge.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of living every aspect of our lives, including our eating habits, in a way that brings glory to God. It reminds us that even our mundane actions can be acts of worship.
Galatians 6:7-8
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
This verse serves as a reminder of the principle of reaping what we sow. It warns against gratifying our fleshly desires, which can lead to destruction, and encourages us to sow seeds of self-control and obedience to the Spirit.
Proverbs 23:19-21
“Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path: Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
This verse provides fatherly advice about the dangers of excessive drinking and gluttony. It encourages wisdom, self-control, and choosing the right path by avoiding indulgence and the disastrous consequences that come with it.
What Does the Bible Say About Gluttony?
In the Bible, gluttony is addressed as a sin. Gluttony is the excessive consumption of food or drink, beyond the point of necessity or health. In Proverbs 23:20-21, it warns against being a glutton: “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
The apostle Paul also addressed this issue in Philippians 3:19, where he described those whose “god is their belly.” This signifies that they live to satisfy their own desires and appetites rather than living in self-control and obedience to God.
In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul wrote, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This verse highlights the importance of moderation in all things, including food and drink. It encourages us to honor God in our choices, including what and how much we consume.
Gluttony goes beyond the physical act of overeating; it also reflects a lack of self-control and an overindulgence in worldly pleasures.
As Christians, we should steward our bodies well and treat them as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are called to honor God with our bodies, and part of this involves maintaining self-discipline in what and how much we consume.
In summary, the Bible presents gluttony as a sin, emphasizing the importance of moderation, self-control, and honoring God in our choices, including those related to food and drink.
