Gluttony, often defined as excessive or overindulgent eating, is more than just a physical indulgence; it has spiritual implications as well. The Bible addresses gluttony and overconsumption as behaviors that reflect deeper issues of self-control and priorities.
Understanding what Scripture says about gluttony can help us cultivate moderation, gratitude, and a healthy relationship with food. In this blog post, we’ll explore 50 Bible verses about gluttony, categorized into five key themes.
The Warnings Against Gluttony
1. Proverbs 23:2
Verse: “Put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.” Description: This vivid image illustrates the seriousness of gluttony and the need for self-control. Interpretation: The verse emphasizes that gluttony is a grave issue, suggesting that drastic measures may be necessary to combat it and maintain self-discipline.
2. Proverbs 23:20-21
Verse: “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.” Description: This passage links gluttony with poverty and ruin, warning of its negative consequences. Interpretation: Gluttony, like drunkenness, can lead to dire outcomes, including financial and personal ruin. The verse advises against overindulgence as a means of avoiding such pitfalls.
3. Proverbs 25:16
Verse: “If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.” Description: Using honey as a metaphor, this verse warns about the dangers of overindulgence. Interpretation: Moderation is key in all things, including consumption. Excess can lead to negative consequences, as highlighted by the image of vomiting from too much honey.
4. Proverbs 28:7
Verse: “A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.” Description: This verse contrasts the behavior of a wise person with that of a glutton, noting the shame brought upon others by gluttony. Interpretation: The behavior of gluttony can bring dishonor and shame, not only to oneself but also to one’s family and community.
5. Deuteronomy 21:20
Verse: “They shall say to the elders of his town, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.’” Description: Gluttony is listed as a serious offense among other rebellious behaviors. Interpretation: The inclusion of gluttony in this passage shows that it is seen as a significant moral failing, akin to other forms of disobedience and rebellion.
6. Philippians 3:19
Verse: “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Description: This verse criticizes those whose focus is on bodily desires rather than spiritual matters. Interpretation: The verse warns against making physical cravings, like gluttony, a central focus of life, which leads to spiritual destruction.
7. Ecclesiastes 6:7
Verse: “Everyone’s toil is for their mouth, yet their appetite is never satisfied.” Description: This verse reflects on the insatiable nature of human desires and the futility of excessive consumption. Interpretation: The endless pursuit of satisfaction through consumption highlights the need for contentment and moderation.
8. 1 Corinthians 6:12
Verse: “I have the right to do anything—but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything—but I will not be mastered by anything.” Description: Paul speaks about the freedom to choose, emphasizing that not all choices are beneficial, including those related to consumption. Interpretation: Even though we may have the freedom to indulge, we should not let any desire, including gluttony, control or dominate us.
9. Luke 12:19
Verse: “And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’” Description: This verse depicts the folly of overindulgence and ignoring the spiritual aspect of life. Interpretation: The parable warns against excessive self-indulgence and the neglect of spiritual and eternal priorities.
10. Amos 6:4
Verse: “You lie on beds adorned with ivory and lounge on your couches. You dine on choice lambs and fattened calves.” Description: Amos criticizes the excesses of the wealthy, including gluttony and luxury. Interpretation: The verse serves as a critique of the lavish lifestyle that prioritizes comfort and indulgence, reflecting the broader theme of excess and moral failure.
The Impact of Gluttony
11. Proverbs 30:20
Verse: “This is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I’ve done nothing wrong.’” Description: The verse compares the secrecy of gluttonous behavior to that of an adulterous woman. Interpretation: Gluttony, like adultery, can be hidden but is ultimately harmful and requires repentance and correction.
12. Proverbs 21:17
Verse: “Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.” Description: This verse links a love for indulgence, including gluttony, with poverty and lack of prosperity. Interpretation: Excessive love for pleasure and indulgence can lead to financial and spiritual poverty.
13. Deuteronomy 32:15
Verse: “Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; filled with food, they became heavy and sleek. They abandoned the God who made them and rejected the Rock their Savior.” Description: The verse describes how abundance and indulgence led to spiritual decline. Interpretation: Gluttony and excess can lead to spiritual complacency and abandonment of faith, showing the dangers of overindulgence.
14. Psalm 78:18
Verse: “They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved.” Description: The psalmist recounts how the Israelites tested God by demanding food and overindulging. Interpretation: This verse illustrates how gluttony can be a form of testing God and expressing dissatisfaction with His provision.
15. Isaiah 22:13
Verse: “But see, there is joy and revelry, slaughtering of cattle and killing of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine! ‘Let us eat and drink,’ you say, ‘for tomorrow we die.’” Description: Isaiah describes a scene of indulgence and fatalism, where gluttony is used to mask impending judgment. Interpretation: The verse highlights the futility of using indulgence as a way to escape or ignore impending consequences.
16. Proverbs 27:7
Verse: “One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.” Description: This verse contrasts the satisfaction of the full with the hunger of those who find even unpleasant things desirable. Interpretation: Gluttony leads to an insatiable appetite, whereas moderation helps us appreciate and be content with what we have.
17. 1 Timothy 6:6-8
Verse: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” Description: Paul teaches that contentment is greater than material wealth or excessive indulgence. Interpretation: True satisfaction comes from godliness and contentment, not from excess or gluttony.
18. Proverbs 12:11
Verse: “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” Description: The verse contrasts the result of diligent work with the folly of pursuing excess and indulgence. Interpretation: Hard work and moderation lead to abundance, while gluttony and chasing after fantasies result in lack and foolishness.
19. Proverbs 24:13
Verse: “Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.” Description: This verse appreciates the goodness of honey but advises moderation. Interpretation: Enjoying good things is acceptable, but moderation is key to avoid the pitfalls of overindulgence.
20. Ezekiel 16:49
Verse: “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.” Description: Sodom’s sin included gluttony and a lack of concern for others. Interpretation: Gluttony is linked to arrogance and neglect of social responsibilities, highlighting the moral failures associated with overindulgence.
Biblical Perspectives on Moderation
21. Proverbs 25:27
Verse: “It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.” Description: The verse advises against overindulgence in honey, emphasizing the need for moderation. Interpretation: Moderation is essential not only in consumption but also in our pursuits, balancing our desires and actions.
22. Ecclesiastes 3:1
Verse: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Description: Ecclesiastes speaks to the balance and timing of all things. Interpretation: This verse encourages us to practice moderation and balance in all aspects of life, including eating.
23. 1 Corinthians 9:25
Verse: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” Description: Paul uses the analogy of athletic training to illustrate self-discipline and moderation. Interpretation: Just as athletes train with discipline, we should exercise self-control in our eating habits and other desires.
24. Philippians 4:12
Verse: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” Description: Paul speaks of learning contentment regardless of circumstances. Interpretation: Contentment and moderation come from a deep trust in God, not from excess or abundance.
25. Proverbs 30:8
Verse: “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.” Description: Agur asks for balance and daily provision rather than extreme wealth or poverty. Interpretation: This verse advocates for a balanced approach to provision, avoiding both extreme poverty and excessive wealth.
26. Psalm 104:14
Verse: “He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth.” Description: This verse acknowledges God’s provision of food for both animals and people. Interpretation: Recognizing God’s provision encourages gratitude and moderation in consumption, rather than gluttony.
27. Matthew 6:11
Verse: “Give us today our daily bread.” Description: This verse from the Lord’s Prayer emphasizes daily dependence on God for our needs. Interpretation: Seeking daily provision fosters gratitude and contentment, countering tendencies toward gluttony.
28. Proverbs 14:30
Verse: “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Description: The verse contrasts inner peace with the destructive nature of envy, which can lead to excessive behaviors like gluttony. Interpretation: Cultivating inner peace and contentment helps prevent the desire for overindulgence and gluttony.
29. 1 Timothy 4:4
Verse: “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” Description: Paul teaches that all creation is good when received with gratitude. Interpretation: Appreciating and using God’s gifts with thankfulness encourages moderation rather than excess.
30. Romans 14:17
Verse: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Description: Paul emphasizes that the kingdom of God transcends physical indulgence. Interpretation: Our focus should be on spiritual values rather than physical satisfaction, guiding us away from gluttony.
Developing Self-Control
31. Galatians 5:22-23
Verse: “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.” Description: Self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit, vital for overcoming gluttony. Interpretation: Developing self-control through the Holy Spirit helps us manage desires and avoid gluttonous behaviors.
32. 2 Timothy 1:7
Verse: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Description: This verse highlights self-discipline as a gift from the Holy Spirit. Interpretation: Embracing self-discipline empowers us to control our desires and avoid gluttony.
33. Proverbs 16:32
Verse: “Better a patient person than a warrior, those with self-control than those who take a city.” Description: Self-control is valued more highly than physical prowess or conquest. Interpretation: The verse underscores the importance of self-control, including in our eating habits, over external achievements.
34. Titus 1:8
Verse: “Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” Description: Self-control is a key characteristic for leaders in the church. Interpretation: This verse indicates that self-control is essential for spiritual leadership and by extension, for personal conduct, including moderation in eating.
35. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Verse: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Description: Paul advises that all actions, including eating and drinking, should be done for God’s glory. Interpretation: This verse encourages us to approach eating with a mindset that honors God, promoting moderation and self-control.
36. Proverbs 29:11
Verse: “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” Description: The verse contrasts foolishness with wisdom, applying to self-control in all aspects, including eating. Interpretation: Wise people practice restraint and control, avoiding the excesses of gluttony.
37. Romans 13:14
Verse: “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Description: Paul advises against focusing on fleshly desires, including those related to gluttony. Interpretation: Focusing on Christ helps us overcome the desires of the flesh, including overindulgence.
38. Hebrews 12:1
Verse: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Description: This verse encourages believers to shed sins and hindrances, including gluttony. Interpretation: Overcoming gluttony requires shedding sinful habits and persevering in self-control.
39. Proverbs 13:25
Verse: “The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.” Description: The verse contrasts the satisfaction of the righteous with the endless hunger of the wicked. Interpretation: The righteous experience contentment and moderation, while the wicked are driven by insatiable desires.
40. 1 Peter 5:8
Verse: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Description: Peter advises vigilance and sobriety, which includes controlling appetites. Interpretation: Being alert and self-controlled helps us resist temptations, including those related to gluttony.
Cultivating a Healthy Attitude Toward Food
41. Genesis 1:29
Verse: “Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.'” Description: God provides plants and fruit for food, emphasizing the goodness of His provision. Interpretation: Recognizing food as a provision from God encourages gratitude and moderation, avoiding excess.
42. Matthew 4:4
Verse: “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Description: Jesus emphasizes that spiritual nourishment is more important than physical food. Interpretation: Focusing on spiritual sustenance helps us maintain a balanced approach to physical needs, including eating.
43. John 6:35
Verse: “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.’” Description: Jesus refers to Himself as the bread of life, highlighting spiritual fulfillment. Interpretation: Spiritual fulfillment through Christ surpasses physical hunger, guiding us to seek spiritual rather than physical satisfaction.
44. Psalm 37:25
Verse: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” Description: The psalmist observes that the righteous are provided for by God. Interpretation: Trusting in God’s provision helps us maintain contentment and avoid the excesses of gluttony.
45. Proverbs 3:10
Verse: “Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” Description: This verse promises abundance as a reward for honoring God with our resources. Interpretation: While God provides abundantly, it is important to use these blessings with moderation and gratitude.
46. Acts 14:17
Verse: “Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” Description: Paul speaks of God’s provision of food and joy. Interpretation: Recognizing God’s kindness in providing food encourages a joyful and moderate approach to consumption.
47. Psalm 65:9
Verse: “You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it.” Description: The verse acknowledges God’s provision for sustenance. Interpretation: Understanding that God abundantly provides for our needs fosters gratitude and moderation.
48. James 1:17
Verse: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Description: Every good gift, including food, comes from God. Interpretation: Recognizing food as a gift from God encourages thankfulness and moderation rather than gluttony.
49. Proverbs 15:17
Verse: “Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.” Description: This verse values love and contentment over abundance and excess. Interpretation: A humble meal shared with love is preferable to abundant food consumed with negative attitudes.
50. Nehemiah 8:10
Verse: “Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” Description: Nehemiah encourages enjoyment of food but also emphasizes sharing and the joy of the Lord. Interpretation: Enjoying food is acceptable when accompanied by generosity and joy, rather than selfish indulgence.
Conclusion
Gluttony is more than a matter of overindulgence; it reflects deeper issues of self-control, priorities, and spiritual health. The Bible offers extensive guidance on avoiding gluttony, promoting moderation, and cultivating a healthy relationship with food. By reflecting on these verses and applying their wisdom, we can develop self-discipline, gratitude, and a balanced approach to our physical and spiritual needs.