What Does the Bible Say About Gluttony

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Bible Verses About Gluttony and Self-Control (NIV)

Proverbs 23:20–21

“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.”

God warns against excess.
Overindulgence leads to spiritual and physical harm.
This verse encourages moderation and wise choices.

Proverbs 25:16

“If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.”

Even good things require limits.
Excess turns blessing into harm.
This verse promotes balance and restraint.

Philippians 3:19

“Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach.”

Gluttony can become a form of misplaced worship.
God desires our devotion, not appetites ruling us.
This verse encourages heart examination.

1 Corinthians 6:12

“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial.”

Freedom must be guided by wisdom.
Not all desires are healthy.
This verse encourages thoughtful self-control.

1 Corinthians 10:31

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Eating can honor God.
Intentional choices glorify Him.
This verse invites mindful living.

Galatians 5:22–23

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… self-control.”

Self-control is a sign of spiritual growth.
Gluttony reflects struggle in this area.
This verse encourages reliance on the Spirit.

Proverbs 28:7

“A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.”

Gluttony reflects poor discipline.
Wisdom leads to restraint.
This verse encourages teachability.

Luke 21:34

“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life.”

Overindulgence dulls spiritual alertness.
God calls believers to watchfulness.
This verse promotes spiritual focus.

Romans 13:13

“Let us behave decently… not in carousing and drunkenness.”

God calls for disciplined living.
Gluttony disrupts spiritual order.
This verse encourages self-respect and moderation.

Proverbs 13:25

“The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.”

Righteousness brings satisfaction.
Excess never truly fulfills.
This verse highlights contentment.

Theological Overview: Gluttony in the Bible

When considering what does the Bible say about gluttony, Scripture presents it as a lack of self-control rather than the enjoyment of food itself.
God created food for nourishment and joy, but gluttony places appetite above obedience.
It reflects imbalance and misplaced priorities.

Biblically, gluttony is linked to spiritual dullness and neglect of discipline.
God calls believers to steward their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
Moderation honors God and promotes holistic well-being.

Practical Application: Honoring God With Food

Pray before meals with gratitude and awareness.
Practice moderation rather than restriction.
Listen to physical hunger cues, not emotional impulses.
Fast occasionally to strengthen spiritual discipline.
Seek God’s strength when self-control feels difficult.

These steps help believers develop balance and honor God daily.

Short Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of food and nourishment.
Help me practice self-control and moderation.
Teach me to honor You with my body and choices.
Amen.