Gluttony is an excessive desire for food and indulgence that can result in a lack of self-control; it goes beyond simply overeating. The Bible forbids gluttony because it encourages sloth, diverts our attention from spiritual development, and prioritizes worldly interests over divine intent. Bible verses about gluttony reminds us that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit and promotes self-control, moderation, and thankfulness for the gifts of food. A balanced and moral approach to eating and living can be developed by knowing what the Bible teaches about excess.
Gluttony is frequently linked to avarice and a lack of self-control throughout the Bible. Overindulgence can result in poverty, sluggishness, and even spiritual deterioration, as proverbs and other wisdom literature warn. Believers are called to maintain temperance and glorify God with their bodies rather than turning to overindulgence in food. We can steer clear of excess and live in a way that reflects God’s wisdom and purpose by adopting a lifestyle of moderation and thanksgiving.
Self-control, a fruit of the Spirit that aids in overcoming the temptations of the flesh, is emphasized in the New Testament teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Like other sins, gluttony has the power to enslave us and impede our spiritual development. The Bible exhorts us to keep a healthy balance in all facets of our lives and to discipline our bodies. We can overcome gluttony and cultivate a heart that seeks fullness in God rather than fleeting pleasures by giving up our desires to Him and letting Him direct our activities.
As Christ-followers, we are reminded that only God can provide us with true fulfillment. Food should not become an idol that governs our life, even though it is a gift from the Lord intended to support and nourish us. Our dedication to obeying God is demonstrated by our self-discipline and prudent health and well-being decisions. We can develop a way of life that puts spiritual sustenance above material excess by praying, being wise, and trusting in God’s might, exalting His name.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Gluttony in 2025
1. 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.”
This passage warns against associating with those who overindulge in food and drink. Gluttony, much like drunkenness, leads to a lack of self-discipline and poor decision-making. The result is often financial and spiritual poverty, as overindulgence can consume time, energy, and resources that could have been used wisely. It serves as a reminder that excessiveness in any form, including food, can be destructive.
2. Philippians 3:19
“Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”
Paul warns that those who prioritize their physical cravings over their spiritual walk are on a path to destruction. When the “belly” (representing desires and appetites) takes precedence over seeking God, it becomes an idol. This verse reminds believers to focus on spiritual fulfillment rather than temporary pleasures. The shame mentioned here is the result of giving in to worldly desires instead of pursuing righteousness.
3. Proverbs 25:16
“If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.”
This verse teaches the principle of moderation. Honey is naturally sweet and enjoyable, yet too much of it can lead to sickness. Similarly, while food is necessary and good, overindulgence can lead to discomfort and health issues. The broader lesson here is that too much of anything—even good things—can have negative consequences.
4. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Gluttony is not just a matter of excess; it is also a matter of stewardship. Our bodies belong to God, and we are called to take care of them in a way that honors Him. Overeating and indulging in unhealthy habits dishonor the body that God has entrusted to us. By exercising self-control, we show reverence for the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
5. Titus 1:12
“One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’”
This verse describes the consequences of a society lacking self-discipline. Gluttony is often accompanied by laziness and selfishness, leading to a cycle of indulgence that can harm both individuals and communities. Paul uses this statement to highlight the need for godly discipline and transformation in character.
6. Ezekiel 16:49
“Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.”
Gluttony is not only about overeating—it is also about hoarding resources while others are in need. The people of Sodom indulged in excess without concern for those who were suffering. This verse warns against selfish living and encourages generosity, teaching that abundance should be shared rather than wasted.
7. 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Eating and drinking are not merely physical actions but spiritual ones as well. When believers indulge in food without gratitude or self-control, they fail to glorify God with their bodies. This verse encourages mindfulness in all actions, ensuring that even eating is done with thanksgiving and moderation.
8. Proverbs 28:7
“The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.”
Associating with those who overindulge can lead to bad habits and poor character development. Gluttony is often a sign of deeper spiritual and moral failings, and this verse highlights how such behavior can bring shame not only to oneself but also to one’s family.
9. Romans 13:14
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
This verse calls believers to prioritize their spiritual lives over fleshly desires. Gluttony, like other indulgences, is a way of gratifying the flesh rather than seeking the things of God. By putting on Christ—meaning living according to His example—we learn to resist excess and practice self-discipline.
10. Galatians 5:16
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to resist temptations, including the temptation to overeat. By focusing on spiritual growth, Christians can overcome the urges of the flesh that lead to excess and self-indulgence.
11. Luke 21:34
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.”
Overindulgence in food and drink can distract from spiritual vigilance. Jesus warns that those who are consumed by worldly pleasures may be unprepared for His return. This verse emphasizes the importance of staying spiritually alert rather than indulging in gluttonous behavior.
12. Matthew 4:4
“But he answered, ‘It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Jesus reminds us that physical nourishment is secondary to spiritual sustenance. While food is necessary, our greatest need is God’s word. Gluttony arises when people seek fulfillment in food rather than in a relationship with God.
13. 1 Peter 4:7
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”
Gluttony clouds judgment and weakens self-control. Peter urges believers to practice discipline, as self-control enhances spiritual clarity and effectiveness in prayer.
14. Hebrews 12:16
“That no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal.”
Esau’s story demonstrates the danger of prioritizing temporary physical gratification over long-term blessings. His willingness to trade his birthright for a meal serves as a powerful warning against making impulsive, indulgent decisions.
15. Psalm 78:29-30
“And they ate and were well filled, for he gave them what they craved. But before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths, the anger of the Lord rose against them.”
The Israelites’ excessive cravings led to God’s judgment. This passage illustrates that when desires for food become excessive, they can bring negative consequences.
16. Isaiah 22:13
“And behold, joy and gladness, killing oxen and slaughtering sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine. ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.'”
This verse reflects a mindset of indulgence without concern for the future. The people lived only for the present, consuming food and drink in excess without thought for their spiritual well-being. This attitude mirrors modern-day gluttony, where temporary pleasures overshadow eternal priorities.
17. Deuteronomy 21:20
“And they shall say to 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.’”
This passage highlights how gluttony is linked to rebellion and lack of discipline. A person who lacks self-control in their eating habits often struggles with authority and obedience to God’s commands. It serves as a warning that indulgence can lead to broader spiritual decay.
18. 1 Timothy 3:2-3
“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”
Church leaders are called to be self-controlled, which includes their relationship with food. Gluttony can lead to poor judgment, laziness, and a lack of discipline—qualities that are unfit for anyone in leadership. This verse highlights that self-control in all areas, including eating, is essential for godly living.
19. Matthew 11:19
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”
Jesus was falsely accused of being a glutton because He spent time with sinners and shared meals with them. While Jesus never indulged in excess, this verse reveals how people may wrongly judge others. It also serves as a reminder that true wisdom is revealed in a person’s actions, not in outward appearances.
20. Psalm 141:4
“Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!”
This verse reflects a prayer for self-control. The psalmist understands that indulging in excessive delicacies can lead to a distracted and sinful heart. It reminds us to be mindful of the company we keep and the habits we develop around food.
21. Ecclesiastes 10:17
“Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness!”
This verse contrasts responsible feasting with indulgence. When meals are taken for nourishment and strength, they serve a good purpose. However, when feasting is done for pleasure alone, it leads to gluttony and weakness.
22. Luke 12:19-20
“And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’”
This passage is a warning against selfish indulgence. The man in the parable prioritizes his comfort, food, and wealth over his relationship with God. Gluttony, like greed, focuses on temporary pleasures rather than eternal truths.
23. 1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Gluttony dulls spiritual alertness. When a person is consumed by food and indulgence, they become distracted from the enemy’s schemes. This verse urges believers to maintain self-control in all areas to remain spiritually vigilant.
24. Colossians 3:5
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Gluttony falls under the category of covetousness—it is an uncontrolled desire for more than what is necessary. When people idolize food and pleasure, they replace God with their cravings. This verse reminds believers to focus on spiritual priorities rather than earthly excesses.
25. Job 15:27
“Because he has covered his face with his fat and gathered fat upon his waist.”
Job’s friend uses physical obesity as a metaphor for a lifestyle of excess and indulgence. While not all weight gain is due to gluttony, this verse reflects how self-indulgence can lead to a life of pride and complacency.
26. Proverbs 21:17
“Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.”
A person who constantly seeks pleasure—whether through food, drink, or luxuries—will eventually suffer loss. Gluttony can lead to financial and spiritual poverty when cravings dictate a person’s decisions.
27. 1 Corinthians 9:27
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
Paul emphasizes the importance of bodily discipline. Gluttony, like other indulgences, can lead to a lack of control that hinders spiritual effectiveness. Maintaining self-control ensures that a person’s actions align with their faith.
28. Isaiah 55:2
“Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.”
This verse is a call to spiritual nourishment rather than material excess. Many people seek satisfaction in food and earthly pleasures, but true fulfillment comes from God’s word.
29. Psalm 34:8
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!”
Rather than seeking satisfaction in overindulgence, this verse invites people to find true joy in God. When the soul is satisfied with God’s goodness, there is less need to seek fulfillment in physical cravings.
30. Galatians 6:8
“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
This verse reminds believers that indulgence in fleshly desires, including gluttony, leads to negative consequences. However, those who prioritize their spiritual growth will reap the rewards of eternal life.
Conclusion
The necessity of self-control, discipline, and spiritual focus is emphasized in the Bible’s constant warnings against the perils of gluttony. Overindulgence in food can result in idolatry, lethargy, and a diversion from our higher goals, even if it is a gift from God intended for our delight and nourishment. Numerous of these verses serve as a reminder that our bodies are the Holy Spirit’s temples and ought to be treated sensibly and responsibly.
Not only does gluttony have negative bodily effects, but it also speaks to deeper spiritual problems including a lack of self-control and satisfaction. Believers are called to cultivate appreciation, manage their resources properly, and seek fulfillment in God rather than in abundance of eating. Christians can honor God with their bodies and lead balanced, meaningful lives by developing a spirit of moderation and mindfulness.
