Bible Verses About Gluttony
Gluttony, often defined as excessive eating and drinking, is a topic not frequently discussed in modern Christian circles, yet the Bible speaks clearly about it. It's more than just eating too much; it's about an unhealthy preoccupation with food and drink, an indulgence that can lead to spiritual and physical harm. While God provides generously for our needs and desires us to enjoy His good gifts, He also calls us to temperance and self-control in all areas of our lives. Understanding what scripture says about gluttony helps us to cultivate a balanced and godly approach to our daily provisions, honoring Him with our bodies and choices. This collection of verses will explore how the Bible portrays gluttony, from direct warnings against overindulgence to broader principles of self-control and wise living. We'll see that while enjoying food is a blessing, allowing it to become an idol or a master over us can be a significant spiritual hindrance. As we consider these scriptures, let us seek to align our appetites with God's wisdom, finding true satisfaction in Him rather than in earthly pleasures.
"Don’t be among winebibbers, among gluttonous eaters of meat: for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty; and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags."
"Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father."
"and they shall tell 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.’"
"Put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to appetite."
"For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who minds earthly things."
"Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and an unbridled life, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts."
"One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons.”"
"“So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you unexpectedly.”"
"Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
"For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and living in sexual immorality, lusts, drunkenness, revelings, carousings, and abominable idolatries."
Frequently asked questions
- The Bible consistently presents gluttony as a form of self-indulgence and a lack of discipline, often linking it with other vices such as drunkenness and laziness.