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What does the Bible say about eating too much food?

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The Bible warns against eating in a way that becomes self-indulgent or enslaving, and calls believers to receive food thankfully while practicing self-control for God's glory. Proverbs 23:20-21 cautions against gluttony and its ruinous effects, while Proverbs 23:2 urges watchfulness over appetite. Paul teaches that no lawful thing should master us and that our bodies belong to Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:12, 19-20). Food is not evil, but love considers its effects on others and acts from faith (Romans 14:15, 23). Because Christ sympathizes with our weakness (Hebrews 4:15), believers may seek His mercy and strength to enjoy God's gifts rightly.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Proverbs 23:20

    Don't be among ones drinking too much wine, Or those who gorge themselves on meat:

  • Philippians 3:19

    whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things.

  • Romans 14:15

    Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don't destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

    [19] Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

  • Proverbs 23:2

    Put a knife to your throat, If you are a man given to appetite.

  • Proverbs 23:20-21

    [20] Don't be among ones drinking too much wine, Or those who gorge themselves on meat: [21] For the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; And drowsiness clothes them in rags.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:12

    "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are expedient. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be brought under the power of anything.

  • Galatians 5:13

    For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don't use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.

  • Hebrews 4:15

    For we don't have a high priest who can't be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.

  • Romans 14:23

    But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because it isn't of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. (14:24) Now to him who is able to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, (14:25) but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; (14:26) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

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