Definition and Context:
Eating too much, often referred to as gluttony, is the excessive consumption of food and drink. In biblical terms, it is considered a sin that reflects a lack of self-control and discipline. The Bible addresses the issue of gluttony as part of a broader discourse on temperance and moderation, emphasizing the importance of self-restraint in all aspects of life.

Biblical References:
The Bible contains several passages that warn against the dangers of gluttony and excessive indulgence. Proverbs 23:20-21 advises, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags." This passage highlights the potential consequences of overindulgence, including poverty and laziness.

In Deuteronomy 21:20 , the rebellious son is described as "a glutton and a drunkard," indicating that such behavior is associated with disobedience and a lack of respect for authority. This connection underscores the moral and spiritual implications of gluttony, linking it to broader issues of character and integrity.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, gluttony is seen as a failure to honor God with one's body, which is considered a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage calls believers to exercise self-control and to use their bodies in ways that honor God.

Gluttony is also viewed as a form of idolatry, where the desire for food and drink takes precedence over spiritual pursuits and devotion to God. Philippians 3:19 warns, "Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things." This verse illustrates how gluttony can lead individuals away from a focus on heavenly matters, prioritizing physical desires over spiritual growth.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
The moral teachings of the Bible encourage believers to practice moderation and self-discipline in all areas of life, including eating and drinking. Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that it is a virtue to be cultivated by those who follow Christ. By exercising self-control, believers demonstrate their commitment to living according to God's will and resisting the temptations of the flesh.

Furthermore, the Bible calls for a spirit of generosity and concern for others, which can be hindered by gluttonous behavior. Isaiah 58:7 exhorts, "Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and to bring the homeless poor into your house?" This passage encourages believers to consider the needs of others and to use their resources, including food, to serve and bless those in need.

Practical Applications:
In practical terms, addressing the issue of eating too much involves cultivating habits of moderation and mindfulness. Believers are encouraged to be mindful of their eating habits, to practice gratitude for the provision of food, and to seek balance in their consumption. Engaging in regular fasting and prayer can also be a means of developing greater self-control and spiritual focus, as demonstrated by Jesus' own example in Matthew 4:2 , "After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry."

By aligning their eating habits with biblical principles, believers can honor God with their bodies, demonstrate self-discipline, and maintain a focus on spiritual growth and service to others.Proverbs 23:20-21
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
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Genesis 1:29
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
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Genesis 2:9
And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the middle of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
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Genesis 9:3
Every moving thing that lives shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
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Genesis 1:30
And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creeps on the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
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Whether the Species of Gluttony are Fittingly Distinguished?
... ie costly food; as regards its quality, he seeks food prepared too nicely"-ie
"daintily"; and as regards quantity, he exceeds by eating "too much.". ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the species of gluttony.htm

Whether Six Daughters are Fittingly Assigned to Gluttony?
... Reply to Objection 2: Although it does one good to vomit after eating too much,
yet it is sinful to expose oneself to its necessity by immoderate meat or drink ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether six daughters are fittingly.htm

The Friend of Publicans and Sinners
... about duty, to another, that he dwells too much on grace ... and doctrinal, to that,
that it is too sentimental and ... If Jesus had not come eating and drinking, He ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the friend of publicans and.htm

On Sin and Its Kinds
... "Anger" comes under the Fifth Commandment. It is followed by hatred, the desire
of revenge, etc. "Gluttony" is the sin of eating or drinking too much. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 6 on sin and.htm

Of the Mortification of Sensual Love to Meats, &C. ...
... 4. Imperfect souls, therefore, must make it their care in refections to avoid these
special defects, to wit, eating or drinking: 1. too much; 2. with too great ...
/.../chapter vi of the mortification.htm

Whether Death and Other Bodily Defects are the Result of Sin?
... As regards the substance of the act, actual sin can cause a bodily defect:
thus some sicken and die through eating too much. But ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether death and other bodily.htm

Christ's Discourse against the Merely Outward Cleanliness of the ...
... a different explanation; they were still too much ruled by ... that even Peter could
learn, and that, too, by the ... to the case in point, viz.: eating with unwashed ...
/.../section 173 christs discourse against.htm

The Observation of the Birth of Christ, the Duty of all Christians ...
... I am not, as the scoffers of this day tell you, against eating and drinking the
good ... Thirdly, Let me beg of you not to alienate too much of your time from the ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the observation of the birth.htm

Job --Groping
... his engagement, with some misgivings of heart that the visit would be too much for
him. ... that were read, and that were never read; such was the eating and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/vii jobgroping.htm

Joy in the Holy Ghost.
... How often a Christian comes to the consciousness that he takes or seeks too much
enjoyment in that eating, eating for pleasure, with no self-denial or self ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/x joy in the holy.htm

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