What is the biblical definition of gluttony? The tendency to define gluttony in a narrow sense, rest

The chief error about Gluttony is to think it only pertains to food. Some people can't have enough toys, television, entertainment, sex, or company. It is about an excess of anything. There are at least three forms of Gluttony:

1. Wanting more pleasure from something than it was made for.

2. Wanting it exactly our way (delicacy).

3. Demanding too much from people (excessive desire for other people's time or presence).

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What is gluttony? To be more specific what is the biblical definition of gluttony? And if a person is overweight does that automatically indicate they are gluttons? When people throw out the word “gluttony” are they following the biblical definition or a definition perhaps not found in Scripture? Is gluttony about the types and amounts of food one eats or is it something about more than just food?

Gluttony is never being quite content with what we have, always wanting more, filling our entire lives with excess and still wanting more. It bloats and distracts the soul, causing us to form idols out of things we think we “need”, and helps us avoid reality by filling our lives with distractions. What we actually need has been replaced by want we think we need, what we think we want.

In the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, we are warned against gluttony. For example, in Proverbs 23, we are instructed "do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” (v. 20- 21) and to “put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.” (v. 2). Further, Proverbs 28:7 states “a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.” As stated in Deuteronomy 21:18-21 under the law, a stubborn and rebellious son who was a “glutton and a drunkard” was to be put to death.

One of the primary New Testament examples of gluttony is found in the parable of the prodigal son, who “wasted his possessions with prodigal living” (Luke 15:13). The term “prodigal living” from the NKJV is variously translated as “riotous living” (KJV), “loose living” (NASB), “reckless living” (ESV), and “wild living” (NIV). Jesus, because he ate dinner with tax collectors and sinners, was falsely accused of being “a glutton and a drunkard” (Matthew 11:19 and Luke 7:34).

When these verses are put together and read in their context, it is clear that the biblical concern with gluttony is not simply a warning against overeating. Rather a glutton is someone who leads a lifestyle of regular and consistent excess in every aspect of life. Such a person overeats, overdrinks, and is sexually promiscuous.

In the Bible, a glutton is a generally morally reprehensible person whose life is characterized by wasteful and excessive indulgence. Therefore, the modern tendency to define gluttony in a narrow sense, restricted only to eating, is biblically wrong and misleading. Moreover, to use this fabricated definition as an insult to hurl at someone deemed “overweight” is not only fallacious but also dishonest and mean. And finally, when such a stigma is thrown at others in an attempt to justify one’s own moral failures concerning alcohol, such conduct is particularly repugnant.

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WHAT DO YOU THINK? We have all sinned and deserve God's judgment. God, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him. Jesus, the creator and eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He died for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was buried, and rose from the dead according to the Bible. If you truly believe and trust this in your heart, receiving Jesus alone as your Savior, declaring, "Jesus is Lord," you will be saved from judgment and spend eternity with God in heaven.

What is your response?

• Yes, today I am deciding to follow Jesus!

Here is a suggested prayer. This is not a ritual based on specific words, but rather a prayerful guideline for your sincere step of faith:

"Father, I know that I have broken Your laws and my sins have separated me from You. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward You. Please forgive me, and help me turn away from sin. I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen."

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