What Does the Bible Say About Gluttony — In Biblical Context
Gluttony — excessive consumption beyond need — is condemned in Scripture alongside drunkenness. The Bible calls for self-control and moderation, treating the body as God's temple.
Gluttony — excessive consumption beyond need — is condemned in Scripture alongside drunkenness. The Bible calls for self-control and moderation, treating the body as God's temple.
"Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty." — Proverbs 23:20-21 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
Proverbs warns, 'Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty' (Proverbs 23:20-21). Deuteronomy linked gluttony with rebellion: parents could bring a rebellious son before elders, saying, 'He is a glutton, and a drunkard' (21:20). Paul described enemies of Christ whose 'God is their belly' (Philippians 3:19). Jesus was falsely accused of being 'a man gluttonous, and a winebibber' (Matthew 11:19) — the accusation itself shows how seriously it was viewed. Gluttony is traditionally one of the seven deadly sins because it represents placing physical appetite above spiritual discipline. Paul taught, 'Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God' (1 Corinthians 10:31). The body is 'the temple of the Holy Ghost' (6:19), deserving proper care. Proverbs counsels, 'Put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite' (23:2) — a vivid call to restraint. Ecclesiastes 10:17 praises a land whose leaders 'eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness.' Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). Food is a gift from God to be enjoyed with gratitude and moderation, not worshiped.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Proverbs 23:20-21, sits inside Proverbs 23. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty."
Supporting Passages
"Whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame."
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
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