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What is Gluttony in the Bible? – Viral Believer
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What is Gluttony in the Bible?

Introduction

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to live our lives according to the principles and teachings found in the Holy Bible. One of the more challenging topics to navigate in modern society is that of gluttony.

While many people associate gluttony with simply overeating, the Bible reveals that there is much more to it than that. In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about gluttony, its consequences, and how we can overcome it.

The term “gluttony” is derived from the Latin word “gluttire,” which means to gulp down or swallow. Gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins, alongside pride, envy, wrath, sloth, greed, and lust. These sins are considered deadly because they lead to spiritual death and separate us from God.

Gluttony, in particular, is a sin of excess and indulgence, often in regard to food, but also extending to other aspects of life.

In order to fully understand the biblical concept of gluttony, we will examine the relevant scriptures and their context. Through this exploration, we will gain a deeper appreciation for the dangers of gluttony and learn how to cultivate self-control and contentment in our lives.

Ultimately, we will find that overcoming gluttony is essential to our spiritual growth and relationship with God.

gluttony in the Bible

Gluttony in the Scriptures

Throughout the Bible, gluttony is mentioned in several passages. In the Old Testament, we find gluttony being condemned in the book of Proverbs:

  • Proverbs 23:20-21 (NKJV): “Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.”

In the New Testament, Jesus also addresses the issue of gluttony. In His parable of the rich fool, He warns against the dangers of overindulgence:

  • Luke 12:16-21 (NKJV): “Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, “What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?” So he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’ ” But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.'”

These passages highlight the potential consequences of gluttony: poverty, spiritual emptiness, and separation from God.

The Dangers of Gluttony

Gluttony is dangerous for several reasons:

  1. Physical Health: Overeating can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. It is our responsibility to care for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
  2. Spiritual Health: Gluttony can lead to a lack of self-control, which makes us more susceptible to other sins. It also hinders our ability to fully participate in the spiritual disciplines, such as fasting and prayer.
  3. Materialism: Gluttony can cause us to become overly attached to material possessions and worldly pleasures, which can distract us from our relationship with God.
  4. Lack of Love and Compassion: When we overindulge ourselves, we may become insensitive to the needs of others, especially those who lack basic necessities. This can hinder our ability to demonstrate love and compassion, which are central to Jesus’ teachings (Matthew 25:35-40).

Overcoming Gluttony

To overcome gluttony, we must develop self-control and contentment in our lives. The following practices can help us in this endeavor:

  1. Prayer and Fasting: Engaging in regular prayer and fasting can help us to grow in our relationship with God and develop self-control (Matthew 6:16-18).
  2. Biblical Meditation: Meditating on the Word of God can help us to keep our minds focused on eternal truths rather than temporary pleasures (Psalm 1:1-3).
  3. Accountability: Sharing our struggles with trusted friends or spiritual mentors can provide encouragement and support as we seek to overcome gluttony (James 5:16).
  4. Moderation: Learning to enjoy food and other worldly pleasures in moderation can help us to avoid excess and maintain a balanced lifestyle (Philippians 4:5).
  5. Gratitude: Cultivating a spirit of thankfulness can help us to be content with what we have and resist the temptation to overindulge (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

In Conclusion

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to live lives of moderation, self-control, and contentment. Gluttony is a sin that can have serious consequences for our physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being.

By examining the biblical teachings on gluttony, we gain a better understanding of its dangers and learn how to overcome it.

The journey to overcoming gluttony is not an easy one, but with God’s grace and guidance, we can make progress in our spiritual growth. As we turn to prayer, fasting, meditation, accountability, and gratitude, we will find ourselves growing closer to God and experiencing the abundant life He has promised us (John 10:10).

Let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV): “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

By keeping this principle in mind, we can strive to live our lives in a way that honors God and brings glory to His name, even in how we approach food and other worldly pleasures.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.