Gluttony is mentioned in the Bible as a form of excess that can lead to harm. If you’re wondering what scripture says about overindulgence, it warns against letting our appetites control us and encourages self-discipline, moderation, and honoring God with our bodies.
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Proverbs 23:21
“For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.”
This verse highlights the consequences of indulging in gluttony and excess. It warns that those who pursue such a lifestyle will ultimately suffer the loss of wealth and dignity.
Gluttony is not only harmful to our physical health but also to our spiritual and emotional well-being. It is a reminder to exercise self-control and moderation in order to avoid the negative outcomes associated with gluttony.
Proverbs 28:7
“The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with God’s commands. It warns against associating with gluttonous people, as their behavior brings shame and dishonor to their families.
As Christians, we are called to be wise stewards of our bodies and resources. This verse encourages us to choose our companions wisely and to strive for self-discipline in all areas of our lives, including our eating habits.
Philippians 3:19
“Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”
This verse describes those whose desires and priorities are solely focused on satisfying their own physical appetites. Their ultimate destiny is one of destruction, as they prioritize worldly pleasures over eternal truths.
As followers of Christ, we are called to set our minds on heavenly things and to find our satisfaction in God alone. This verse serves as a warning against allowing our desires for food or any other earthly pleasure to become idols in our lives.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
This verse reminds us that every aspect of our lives, including our eating habits, should be done with the intention of bringing glory to God. It encourages us to be mindful of our choices and behaviors, making sure they align with God’s will.
When it comes to eating, we should strive to nourish our bodies in a way that honors God, avoiding excess and gluttony. Our focus should be on maintaining a healthy balance and using our actions as a testimony of God’s goodness and grace.
Proverbs 23:2
“And put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.”
This verse uses strong imagery to emphasize the seriousness of giving in to excessive appetite. It suggests extreme measures to avoid falling into the trap of gluttony.
While the use of such language may seem exaggerated, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of self-control and restraint. It encourages us to take our desires seriously and to be willing to make difficult choices in order to maintain a healthy relationship with food.
Ephesians 5:18
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
This verse is not specific to gluttony but highlights the dangers of excessive indulgence in any form. It warns against the pitfalls of addiction and urges believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit instead of seeking fulfillment through worldly pleasures.
It serves as a reminder that our true source of satisfaction and fulfillment comes from our relationship with God and not from satisfying our physical cravings.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”
These verses highlight the importance of having a balanced perspective on food and consumption. While gluttony and excess are to be avoided, we are reminded that everything God has created is good.
We are called to receive our meals and provisions with thanksgiving, recognizing God’s provision and blessing in our lives. By sanctifying our food through prayer, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty over all aspects of our lives, including our physical nourishment.
Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.”
This verse uses the metaphor of honey to illustrate the need for moderation and self-control in our consumption. It warns against the dangers of excess, as indulging to the point of overindulgence can result in negative consequences.
Just as too much honey leads to physical discomfort, indulging in excess food can lead to detrimental effects on our health and well-being. This verse encourages us to exercise wisdom and restraint in our eating habits, ensuring that we do not cross the line into gluttony.
Luke 21:34
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.”
This verse reminds us to be vigilant and guard against the distractions and temptations of this world, including gluttony. It warns that indulging in excessive consumption can lead to a heavy heart and hinder our spiritual readiness.
As Christians, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, always prepared for the return of Christ. This verse urges us to be mindful of our priorities, ensuring that we do not become so focused on earthly pleasures that we neglect our spiritual growth and relationship with God.
Romans 14:17-18
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.”
These verses offer a perspective that goes beyond mere physical nourishment. They remind us that the true essence of God’s kingdom lies in righteousness, peace, and joy that comes from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
While food and drink are necessary for sustenance, they should not become the primary focus of our lives. As followers of Christ, our focus should be on cultivating a relationship with God, living righteously, and experiencing the peace and joy that comes from walking in the Spirit.
Proverbs 28:25
“A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.”
This verse warns against the dangers of greed and excess, highlighting the negative consequences that can arise from a gluttonous lifestyle. It contrasts the outcomes of a greedy person, who causes conflict and strife, with the blessings that come to those who trust in the Lord.
By choosing contentment and relying on God’s provision, we can avoid the pitfalls of gluttony and experience true enrichment in our lives. This verse challenges us to put our trust in God rather than in the pursuit of worldly pleasures.
Proverbs 23:20
“Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat.”
This verse advises against associating with those who engage in excessive eating and drinking. It cautions against entering into environments or relationships that may influence us to adopt unhealthy habits.
As Christians, we should strive to surround ourselves with people who support our commitment to live in a manner that is pleasing to God. This includes being aware of the company we keep and avoiding situations that may lead us astray from living a disciplined and balanced lifestyle.
Proverbs 13:25
“The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.”
This verse contrasts the consequences of righteous living with those of wickedness. It suggests that the righteous, who live with integrity and self-control, will find satisfaction in God’s provision.
On the other hand, the wicked, who are driven by their selfish desires and lack discipline, will always be left wanting and unsatisfied. It serves as a reminder that true fulfillment and contentment can only be found when we align our lives with God’s principles.
Proverbs 21:17
“Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.”
This verse speaks to the danger of seeking pleasure and indulgence above all else. It warns that one who prioritizes worldly pleasures, such as excessive eating or drinking, will ultimately suffer financial and spiritual poverty.
As Christians, we are called to find our satisfaction and joy in God rather than in the pursuit of fleeting pleasures. This verse reminds us of the importance of living a balanced and disciplined life, prioritizing eternal riches over temporary gratification.
Proverbs 16:32
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
This verse highlights the value of self-control and discipline in all areas of our lives, including our eating habits. It suggests that one who can manage and control their desires is more powerful than a conqueror.
By developing self-discipline, we can avoid falling into the trap of gluttony and excess. This verse encourages us to prioritize self-control as a virtue worth pursuing, recognizing its significance in our spiritual growth and overall well-being.
Proverbs 23:3
“Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.”
This verse warns against being enticed by the tempting delicacies offered by those who engage in gluttony and excess. It cautions against being deceived by the temporary pleasure they provide.
While it is not inherently wrong to enjoy good food, it is important to recognize the difference between healthy enjoyment and unhealthy indulgence. This verse challenges us to approach food with discernment and to resist the deceptive allure of excessive consumption.
Proverbs 23:19
“Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.”
This verse serves as a call to wisdom and discernment, urging us to make conscientious choices regarding our eating habits. It encourages us to align our hearts with God’s will and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives, including our relationship with food.
By cultivating wisdom and directing our hearts towards what is good and pleasing to God, we can avoid the pitfalls of gluttony and excessive consumption. This verse invites us to pursue a balanced and disciplined approach to our eating habits.
Matthew 6:16-18
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
While this verse does not specifically address gluttony, it offers guidance on maintaining a proper attitude towards food and fasting. It teaches that our motivation for fasting should not be to gain recognition or praise from others but to seek a deeper connection with God.
This verse encourages us to approach fasting with humility and a sincere desire to draw closer to God. It serves as a reminder that our relationship with food should be characterized by self-discipline, seeking God’s approval rather than the applause of others.
1 Corinthians 9:27
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
This verse emphasizes the need for self-discipline and self-control in the life of a believer. It acknowledges that even those in positions of authority or influence can fall prey to sinful behaviors if they fail to maintain discipline in their own lives.
In the context of gluttony, this verse challenges us to take responsibility for our actions and to be intentional about keeping our desires in check. It serves as a reminder that our behaviors should align with our beliefs, allowing us to be effective witnesses of God’s grace and transformation in our lives.
Colossians 3:5
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
This verse addresses the broader issue of covetousness, which includes an excessive desire for things including food. It reminds us to put to death our earthly desires and to reject any form of idolatry.
As Christians, we are called to set our hearts on things above and to resist the temptations of this world. This verse encourages us to cultivate contentment and to guard against the idolatrous desire for worldly pleasures, including gluttony.
Romans 13:14
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of clothing ourselves with the character of Christ and resisting the desires of the flesh. It urges us to make no provision for gratifying our sinful desires, including the temptation to indulge in excessive eating.
By focusing on our spiritual growth and seeking to align our desires with God’s will, we can overcome the pull of gluttony and pursue a life of self-control and discipline. This verse challenges us to prioritize our relationship with Christ above our earthly desires.
Proverbs 25:27
“It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.”
This verse uses the metaphor of eating too much honey to warn against seeking excessive attention or glory for oneself. It cautions against the self-centered pursuit of personal satisfaction and recognition.
When applied to the topic of gluttony, this verse reminds us of the importance of humility and serving others. It challenges us to avoid the extremes of self-indulgence and self-promotion, instead cultivating a spirit of humility and contentment in all areas of our lives.
