10 Bible Verses about Gluttony

Gluttony is a sin that is often overlooked in today’s society. It is defined as the overconsumption of food or drink to the point of excess. In the Bible, gluttony is condemned several times as a sin. Here are 10 Bible verses about gluttony that can help guide us towards a healthier relationship with food.

  1. “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.” – Proverbs 23:20-21
  2. “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.” – Philippians 3:18-19
  3. “Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.” – Proverbs 23:20-21
  4. “And put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. Do not desire his delicacies, for they are deceptive food.” – Proverbs 23:2-3
  5. “The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” – Proverbs 15:28-29
  6. “For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” – Galatians 6:8
  7. “For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.” – Proverbs 23:20-21
  8. “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5
  9. “Do not be among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat.” – Proverbs 23:20-21
  10. “When you sit down to eat with a ruler, observe carefully what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.” – Proverbs 23:1-2

In conclusion, these Bible verses remind us that overindulgence in food or drink can be harmful for our physical and spiritual health. It is important to have self-control and avoid excess consumption. Instead, we should strive to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle, honoring our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.

FAQ about Gluttony

What is gluttony according to the Bible?

Gluttony is the overconsumption of food or drink to the point of excess. The Bible condemns gluttony as a sin, a self-centered behavior. The Book of Proverbs says:

  • “Don’t associate with those who drink too much wine or with those who gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe them in rags” (Proverbs 23:20–21).

Can gluttony be forgiven in Christianity?

Yes, gluttony can be forgiven in Christianity. Through sincere repentance, confession and asking for forgiveness, one can receive God’s forgiveness. In 1 John 1:9 it is written, ” If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Is overeating considered a sin in the Bible?

While the Bible doesn’t specifically say that overeating is a sin, it does condemn gluttony as a sin. Overeating may not be regarded as sinful provided that one does not engage in the overconsumption of food or drink to the point of excess. Jesus says in Luke 12:15, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

How can one avoid gluttony and maintain a healthy relationship with food?

To avoid gluttony and maintain a healthy relationship with food, one must practice self-control and discipline. Proverbs 25:28 warns us, “Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his appetite.” Praying for strength and guidance and being mindful of what we eat and how much we eat can help prevent gluttony.

Are there consequences for succumbing to gluttony in the Bible?

Yes, there are consequences for succumbing to gluttony in the Bible. Excessive indulgence in food and drink leads to spiritual, physical and emotional harm as it puts a strain on our body, destroying the temple of the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 23:20 says, “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.” Additionally, Paul writes in Galatians 6:8, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.”

Prayer for Reflection

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for providing us with the nourishing gift of food, which sustains us and energizes us throughout our day. We pray that you give us the strength to maintain healthy relationships with food and avoid the temptation of gluttony. Help us to always be mindful of how we nourish our bodies and to treat them with the respect that they deserve.

We ask for forgiveness for any time that we may have sinned through gluttonous behaviors. We ask that you cleanse and renew our hearts, minds, and bodies, so that we may avoid falling into the trap of excess and self-centeredness.

Please give us the strength and discipline to make healthy choices when it comes to food and drink. Help us to honor our bodies, which you have created as temples of the Holy Spirit. And thank you for your continued guidance and support, which help us to grow in faith and righteousness.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.