A massive spread of food is before me, and someone jokingly asks, “Are you preaching on Sunday about gluttony?” I smile and reply, “Uh, no!” Everyone chuckles. But when was the last time you heard a biblical lesson on gluttony? It may be a long overdue study.

It is undisputed whether gluttony is a sin. The Bible records people punished by God (Num. 11:34; Ezek. 16:49) and provides warnings against such evil (Prov. 23:2; 1 Cor. 10:6).

Although the term “glutton” is often associated with food (Prov. 23:20), the original words translated as “glutton,” “gluttony,” or “gluttonous” have broader meanings. They relate to being worthless, taking things lightly, and lacking moral integrity. Additionally, the Pulpit Commentary states that gluttony “includes other kinds of excess besides eating. It designates one who is prodigal, who wastes his means or wastes his person by indulgence.” 

Gluttony always implies criticism of excess behavior and can describe excessive consumption of anything beyond reasonable or necessary. This point warrants careful consideration, as we may draw numerous applications regarding our indulgent and affluent culture.

Examples related to eating can include binge eating, overindulging, or consuming large portions beyond the point of satiety. Do you think our society has become gluttonous with food? What about me? While many foods have addictive properties, and eating can serve as a coping mechanism for those dealing with depression or other issues, is there an underlying problem causing one to overeat? Practicing self-control may be beneficial, but seeking help is also an option. Whatever the solution may be, it is essential first to acknowledge that there is a problem.

Gluttony can also refer to excessive spending habits, such as purchasing overly expensive items, hoarding wealth, or spending beyond one’s means. The concept of “corporate greed” is frequently discussed in our news, and God condemns the hoarding of wealth in Scripture. But on a personal level, reflecting on your spending habits is essential. In America, credit card debt is a significant problem. Although debt relief programs often exploit those who have overspent, the underlying issue is that many people purchase items they do not need. The question then becomes: What will I do about my own budget (Prov. 21:20)?

With our consumption of information, such as viewing the news or engaging with social media, is it possible to feel overwhelmed and/or unproductive? Ongoing studies have shown that social media can be addictive, and many developers are transparent about their goal of keeping users engaged. Once a week, I receive a report on my screen time with my iPhone. While I occasionally use it to read the Bible, I often accumulate countless minutes simply doom-scrolling. Although entertainment is not inherently bad, it’s worth considering how much time we could have spent enjoying God’s word, appreciating God’s creation, or nurturing interpersonal relationships with loved ones. Can I engage with others more personally and meaningfully?

Many people around us lack religious belief (consider news outlets, workplaces, schools, etc.). This irreligion, while being ungrateful and overindulging, may play a role in the obesity epidemic. However, gluttony isn’t limited to just overeating, remember? What areas might you overindulge in, and what will you do after identifying these excesses?

“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1 Corinthians 6:12, New King James Version)