In our modern society, gluttony is often misunderstood or overlooked. It is frequently associated with the idea of overeating, but in biblical terms, gluttony encompasses much more than just physical indulgence in food. It involves the sinful overconsumption of any earthly pleasure, prioritizing temporary desires over spiritual growth and God‘s will. Gluttony is mentioned in several parts of the Bible, warning believers against excessive indulgence and the consequences it brings. It is considered one of the seven deadly sins in Christian tradition and can be a subtle yet powerful force that prevents people from living a life fully dedicated to Christ.
In this article, we will explore 22 Bible verses on gluttony. These verses shed light on the dangers of overindulgence, the importance of self-control, and how gluttony hinders a deeper relationship with God. Through these scriptures, we can better understand how to cultivate discipline in our lives and honor God with our bodies, minds, and hearts.
22 Verses on Gluttony
1. Proverbs 23:20-21
“Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”
This verse directly addresses the problem of overindulgence in food and drink. The Bible warns that excessive eating and drinking lead to a life of poverty and shame. When we focus too much on satisfying our immediate desires, we lose sight of our responsibilities and spiritual health.
2. Proverbs 28:7
“Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of choosing our companions wisely. If we associate with those who indulge excessively in food, drink, or other pleasures, we risk falling into the same behavior. Gluttony is often linked with a lack of self-discipline, and the company we keep can influence our choices.
3. Philippians 3:19
“Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.”
Here, Paul warns the Philippians about those whose primary focus is on satisfying their physical desires, such as hunger or lust. Gluttony, in this context, represents a misplaced priority where people elevate their bodily cravings over spiritual concerns. Such individuals live for the temporary and fleeting pleasures of this world rather than seeking eternal fulfillment.
4. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
This well-known passage reminds us that our bodies belong to God. Indulging in excessive eating or drinking is a form of dishonoring the body that God has entrusted to us. Instead, we are called to care for our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit, and glorify God through them.
5. Matthew 4:4
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He responded by quoting Scripture. Here, He reminds us that our true sustenance comes not from food, but from God’s Word. Gluttony represents an unhealthy attachment to physical needs and desires, while spiritual nourishment is what ultimately sustains us.
6. Romans 13:13-14
“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.”
This passage calls believers to live a life of integrity, avoiding indulgence in sinful behaviors like drunkenness and gluttony. The key here is self-control and putting on Christ, ensuring that we do not make provisions for the flesh to fulfill its desires.
7. Titus 1:12-13
“One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.”
In this verse, Paul rebukes the gluttonous behavior of the Cretans. He uses the phrase “slow bellies” to describe their lazy and indulgent lifestyles. This passage serves as a warning against laziness and excess, which can become barriers to spiritual growth and maturity.
8. Proverbs 25:16
“Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith and vomit it.”
This verse encourages moderation in all things. Honey, a sweet and pleasurable food, is beneficial in moderation, but too much can cause harm. Similarly, indulging excessively in anything, whether food or other earthly pleasures, leads to negative consequences.
9. Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Here, Paul lists the works of the flesh, including drunkenness and revellings, both of which are linked to gluttonous behaviors. Those who live according to these sinful desires will not inherit the kingdom of God. This is a clear warning of the eternal consequences of gluttony and other sinful indulgences.
10. Proverbs 23:2
“And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.”
This strong metaphor serves as a warning against being controlled by one’s appetite. The Bible urges us to practice restraint and self-discipline, especially in matters related to food and pleasure. Giving in to gluttony can lead to destruction and a loss of spiritual focus.
11. 1 Corinthians 9:27
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of self-control in his own life. He “brings his body into subjection” to avoid the dangers of overindulgence. This passage teaches that self-discipline is necessary for anyone who desires to live a life pleasing to God.
12. Deuteronomy 21:20-21
“And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.”
In this Old Testament law, a rebellious son who refuses to heed his parents’ discipline, and is marked by gluttony and drunkenness, is given a severe consequence. While this law is not directly applicable today, it underscores the seriousness with which God views the sin of gluttony. It is a reflection of a deeper spiritual disobedience.
13. Matthew 11:19
“The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.”
Jesus was accused of being a glutton and drunkard because of His association with sinners and tax collectors. While this accusation was false, it highlights how gluttony can be wrongly attributed to those who enjoy food and drink in moderation. The Bible calls us to exercise wisdom in all things.
14. Proverbs 23:1-3
“When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee: And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite. Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.”
This verse encourages restraint, especially when offered rich or indulgent food in a social setting. Gluttony can be subtle, creeping in when we are surrounded by excess. The Bible warns us to avoid the temptation to overeat or indulge in luxury simply because it is available.
15. Hebrews 12:16
“Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.”
In this passage, Esau’s decision to sell his birthright for a simple meal is used as an example of foolishness and gluttony. Esau’s overemphasis on his immediate hunger led him to despise something of far greater value—his inheritance. This story illustrates how gluttony can cloud our judgment and cause us to make disastrous decisions.
16. Proverbs 29:23
“A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”
Though this verse does not directly mention gluttony, it speaks to the broader spiritual principle of humility. Gluttony is often tied to pride—the belief that we deserve to indulge in whatever we want, whenever we want it. The Bible teaches that humility and self-control are far more valuable than self-indulgence.
17. Romans 12:1-2
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
This passage speaks to the importance of dedicating our bodies to God as living sacrifices. Gluttony often represents conformity to the world’s values, prioritizing self-gratification. Instead, we are called to transform our thinking and live according to God’s will.
18. 1 Timothy 4:8
“For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.”
This verse reminds us that while taking care of our bodies is important, it should not be our ultimate focus. Gluttony is an imbalance where we prioritize bodily desires over spiritual growth. Godliness, however, brings benefits both in this life and in eternity.
19. Proverbs 30:8-9
“Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.”
The writer of Proverbs acknowledges the danger of both extreme wealth and extreme poverty. Too much food or riches can lead to pride and self-sufficiency, while too little can lead to sin. This balanced approach to life warns against gluttony and overindulgence as much as it warns against deprivation.
20. Psalm 78:18
“And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.”
In this passage, the Israelites tempted God by demanding food that satisfied their cravings, rather than trusting Him to provide. Gluttony arises when we act out of selfish desire rather than seeking God’s provision.
21. Proverbs 21:17
“He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.”
This verse highlights how excessive love for indulgent pleasures like food and drink can lead to poverty. A person who prioritizes these temporary pleasures will suffer the consequences, including a lack of spiritual fulfillment.
22. 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”
While this passage focuses primarily on being sober-minded in the context of spiritual alertness, it is a reminder that gluttony, drunkenness, and indulgence can dull our spiritual senses. Being sober in mind and body helps us remain focused on God’s calling.
Conclusion
Gluttony is more than just overeating; it is an indication of a deeper issue—the worship of earthly pleasures above spiritual fulfillment. These 22 verses from the Bible reveal how gluttony affects our relationship with God, how it can destroy our lives, and how we must resist it in order to live as faithful followers of Christ. Through self-control and focusing on God’s will rather than our own desires, we can honor Him with our bodies, minds, and hearts. The Scriptures call us to a life of balance, where our ultimate satisfaction comes not from earthly pleasures but from a relationship with God, who satisfies our deepest needs.
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