Gluttony is often defined as overindulgence in food and drink, but its implications extend beyond mere consumption. It embodies a lack of self-control, an obsession with pleasure, and a disregard for the well-being of oneself and others. In a world where food is abundant and temptations are everywhere, the Bible offers profound insights on the topic of gluttony. The scriptures address not only the act of overindulgence but also the underlying attitudes of the heart that lead to it.
Throughout the Bible, gluttony is presented as a moral failing, a sin that can lead to spiritual and physical consequences. The verses highlight the importance of moderation, self-control, and the need to prioritize spiritual nourishment over physical cravings. This article will explore 40 scriptures that provide guidance, warnings, and reflections on gluttony, emphasizing the biblical call to live a life of balance, discipline, and devotion.
40 Scriptures on Gluttony
1. 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.”
These verses highlight the consequences of overindulgence, warning against associating with those who practice gluttony and drunkenness.
2. 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.”
Paul cautions against prioritizing physical cravings over spiritual matters, emphasizing that a focus on bodily desires can lead to destruction.
3. Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.”
This verse illustrates the importance of moderation. Even something sweet and enjoyable, like honey, can become harmful if consumed in excess.
4. 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This passage calls believers to ensure that their actions, including eating and drinking, are done with a heart aimed at glorifying God.
5. Ecclesiastes 3:13
“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”
Finding satisfaction in the fruits of our labor is a blessing from God, but it should not lead to overindulgence.
6. 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.”
Self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, emphasizing its importance in combating gluttony and promoting moderation.
7. Proverbs 28:7
“The one who keeps the law is a discerning son, but the companion of gluttons shames his father.”
This verse warns against the company of gluttons, suggesting that associating with such individuals can lead to shame and negative consequences.
8. Isaiah 22:13
“But instead, there is joy and gladness, killing of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine! ‘Let us eat and drink,’ you say, ‘for tomorrow we die!’”
This scripture criticizes a mindset of hedonism that embraces excess in the face of mortality, reflecting a lack of understanding of God’s purposes.
9. Proverbs 21:17
“Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.”
This verse emphasizes that an obsession with pleasure can lead to poverty, both materially and spiritually.
10. 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.’”
Jesus reminds us that spiritual nourishment is more important than physical sustenance, encouraging a focus on God’s Word.
11. 1 Timothy 3:8
“In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.”
This passage indicates that those in leadership positions should exemplify self-control and avoid excess, including gluttony.
12. Proverbs 30:8-9
“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.”
The author seeks a balanced approach to material needs, recognizing that both poverty and excess can lead to dishonoring God.
13. Luke 21:34
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”
This verse warns against being consumed by worldly pleasures, which can distract from spiritual readiness.
14. Proverbs 16:26
“The laborer’s appetite works for him; his hunger drives him on.”
This scripture emphasizes the value of hard work and how a healthy appetite can motivate productive behavior.
15. Deuteronomy 21:20
“They shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’”
This verse highlights the severity of gluttony as a character flaw that warrants serious consequences in the community.
16. Matthew 6:25-26
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
This passage reassures believers that God provides, encouraging them not to be consumed by material concerns.
17. 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.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and controlling physical desires, including gluttony, to remain spiritually fit.
18. Proverbs 12:1
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
This verse indicates that embracing discipline, including in matters of consumption, is a path to wisdom.
19. 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.”
Paul reminds believers that spiritual matters should take precedence over physical indulgences.
20. Proverbs 29:21
“If someone pampers their servant from childhood, they will bring grief in the end.”
This verse can be understood as a caution against fostering excessive indulgence, leading to negative outcomes.
21. 1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
This verse calls believers to resist desires that can lead to spiritual harm, including those associated with gluttony.
22. Matthew 15:17-20
“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.”
Jesus teaches that true impurity comes from the heart, highlighting the need for inner transformation rather than mere outward behavior modification.
23. Isaiah 55:2
“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.”
This verse encourages seeking true satisfaction in God rather than in earthly pleasures that leave one unfulfilled.
24. 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.”
Offering one’s body as a living sacrifice implies exercising control over physical desires, including gluttony.
25. Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.”
This verse warns against following one’s own inclinations without seeking God’s guidance, which can lead to destructive behaviors, including gluttony.
26. Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.”
Jesus’ teaching emphasizes the need for discipline and self-control, as the path of excess is often the easiest but ultimately destructive.
27. James 4:1-2
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight.”
This passage reveals how unchecked desires can lead to conflict and strife, encouraging believers to seek contentment.
28. Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Paul instructs believers to focus on spiritual matters rather than earthly pleasures, which includes controlling physical appetites.
29. Proverbs 23:1-3
“When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony. Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.”
These verses emphasize the need for restraint, especially when faced with temptation from those in power.
30. 1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
While focusing on greed, this verse also touches on the broader theme of craving and excess, reminding believers to guard their hearts.
31. John 6:35
“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”
Jesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual sustenance over physical food, offering true fulfillment.
32. Proverbs 30:7-9
“Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”
This prayer highlights the desire for balance, avoiding the extremes of poverty and wealth, which can both lead to spiritual peril.
33. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jesus invites those weary from the burdens of life, including the pursuit of pleasure, to find true rest and satisfaction in Him.
34. Galatians 5:16-17
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.”
This passage underscores the battle between physical desires and spiritual obedience, encouraging believers to rely on the Holy Spirit.
35. Psalm 78:18
“They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved.”
This verse highlights the dangers of testing God through excessive desire, reminding us to seek His provision with gratitude.
36. 2 Peter 2:13
“They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.”
Peter warns against those who indulge excessively, calling attention to the consequences of such behavior.
37. Job 23:12
“I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.”
Job expresses the importance of valuing spiritual nourishment over physical sustenance.
38. 1 Corinthians 6:13
“You say, ‘Food for the stomach and the stomach for food,’ and God will destroy them both. The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
This passage emphasizes the temporary nature of physical needs and the eternal significance of our bodies as instruments for God’s purposes.
39. Exodus 16:3
“The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death.’”
This verse reflects the Israelites’ craving for food and their discontentment with God’s provision, illustrating how gluttony can lead to spiritual dissatisfaction.
40. Revelation 3:17
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”
This verse cautions against complacency that can arise from physical abundance, reminding believers of their true spiritual condition.
Conclusion
The scriptures on gluttony provide a comprehensive understanding of the dangers associated with overindulgence and the importance of self-control. They emphasize that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we are called to honor God through our choices, including what we consume. The biblical perspective encourages moderation, a focus on spiritual nourishment, and an attitude of gratitude for God’s provision.
As we reflect on these 40 scriptures, we are reminded of the need for balance in our lives and the call to prioritize our relationship with God over earthly pleasures. By cultivating self-discipline and seeking God’s guidance, we can avoid the pitfalls of gluttony and live lives that glorify Him.