Gluttony can be defined as having a limitless appetite for food and drink, one who over-indulges in food and drink. On more than one occasion the Bible talks about gluttony.
Christians who would not even consider smoking or drinking alcohol oftentimes want to turn the other cheek when it comes to the subject of gluttony. However, just as smoking and drinking are harmful to the body, so is consistently overeating.
Gluttony is a Sin
There is no way around it, gluttony is a sin. The city of Sodom was known for their sinful ways, and gluttony was listed as one of those sins (Ezekiel 16:49). A number of scriptures link the sin of gluttony right along with being a drunkard. Where you see one, you see the other.
(Proverbs 23:20-21) 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. ESV
(Deuteronomy 21:20) They shall say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.”
(Luke 7:33-35) For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
Perhaps the most attention grabbing scriptures about gluttony is (Proverbs 23:1-3). It says when you sit to eat with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you, and put a knife to you throat if you are given to gluttony. What does this mean? The Contemporary English Version of this scripture makes it a bit clearer. It say’s, “Don’t go and stuff yourself! That would be just the same as cutting your throat.”
A Little Food For Thought
(1 Corinthians 10:31) can be a helpful reminder for us to stop short of being a glutton. The scripture says whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Since we know overeating can make us sick, we can remind ourselves the verse doesn’t say eat until you make yourself sick for the glory of God. He won’t get any glory out of that situation.
As Christians, we don’t have to deny ourselves the blessings of enjoying good food. A good meal is one of the greatest pleasures in life. (Proverbs 13:25) says a righteous man eats until he is satisfied. It is when you are eating to the point that it’s harming your health that you could be crossing the line over into being gluttonous. Being satisfied and gorging is two different things. The Bible tells us that even something as good as honey can make you sick if you eat to much of it.(Proverbs 25:16)
(Galatians 5:22-23) list the fruit of the Spirit. Among these fruit is self-control. The definition of self-control, the ability to control oneself, particularly in a difficult situation. With gluttony, the difficult situation is often overlooked and even sidestepped with humor. After all, who doesn’t like great tasting food?
While it may be easier just to say I can’t help myself, it’s not God’s will for us to do our bodies unnecessary harm. In the end, we can enjoy our wonderful foods as Christians, but let us do so with good balance and moderation!
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