Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical teachings, "excess" often refers to overindulgence or the lack of moderation, particularly in relation to physical desires and material possessions. The Bible addresses the concept of excess in various forms, warning against the dangers of living a life characterized by indulgence and lack of self-control.Old Testament References The Old Testament provides several examples and teachings that caution against excess. In Proverbs, wisdom literature frequently highlights the importance of moderation. 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 underscores the consequences of excessive behavior, linking it to poverty and ruin. The account of the Israelites in the wilderness also serves as a cautionary tale against excess. In Exodus 16, when God provided manna, the Israelites were instructed to gather only what they needed for each day. Those who gathered more than necessary found that the excess spoiled, illustrating the principle of relying on God's provision and avoiding greed. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the issue of excess, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In Luke 21:34 , Jesus warns, "But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life, and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a trap." Here, Jesus cautions against the distractions and burdens that come from excessive living, which can lead to spiritual unpreparedness. The Apostle Paul also speaks against excess in his epistles. In Ephesians 5:18 , he instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Paul contrasts the excess of drunkenness with the fullness of the Holy Spirit, advocating for a life led by spiritual rather than physical desires. Moral and Spiritual Implications Excess is often associated with a lack of self-control, which is considered a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The Bible encourages believers to exercise self-discipline and to live lives marked by moderation and temperance. In 1 Corinthians 9:25 , Paul uses the metaphor of an athlete to illustrate the importance of self-control: "Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable." The moral implications of excess extend beyond personal conduct to include social and economic dimensions. The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 serves as a warning against hoarding wealth and living in luxury without regard for others or for one's spiritual state. The rich man's focus on material excess ultimately leads to his downfall, as he fails to recognize the transient nature of earthly possessions. Practical Applications Believers are encouraged to practice moderation in all areas of life, including consumption, speech, and behavior. The call to avoid excess is not merely about abstaining from certain activities but about cultivating a heart and mind oriented towards God and His purposes. By prioritizing spiritual growth and community well-being over personal indulgence, Christians can live out the biblical principles that counteract the temptations of excess. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The state of surpassing normal limits or needs; superabundance; extravagance; as, an excess of wealth; an excess of light.2. (n.) An undue indulgence of the appetite; transgression of proper moderation in natural gratifications; intemperance; dissipation. 3. (n.) The degree or amount by which one thing or number exceeds another; remainder; as, the difference between two numbers is the excess of one over the other. Greek 5236. huperbole -- a throwing beyond, excess, superiority ... a throwing beyond, excess, superiority. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: huperbole Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-er-bol-ay') Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5236.htm - 7k 401. anachusis -- a pouring out, overflow 810. asotia -- unsavedness, ie wastefulness 193. akrates -- powerless, impotent 4051. perisseuma -- superfluity 2261. epios -- gentle, mild 4053. perissos -- abundant 4052. perisseuo -- to be over and above, to abound 4057. perissos -- abundantly 4012. peri -- about, concerning, around (denotes place, cause or ... Strong's Hebrew 5736. adaph -- to remain over, be in excess... 5735, 5736. adaph. 5737 . to remain over, be in excess. Transliteration: adaph Phonetic Spelling: (aw-daf') Short Definition: excess. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/5736.htm - 6k 3499. yether -- remainder, excess, preeminence 3499a. yether -- remainder, excess, preeminence 3148. yother -- superiority, advantage, excess 5629. serach -- excess 7646. saba -- to be sated, satisfied or surfeited 5628. sarach -- to go free, be unrestrained, overrun, exceed 8311. sara -- to extend 5606. saphaq -- to slap, clap Library Whether There Can be any Excess in the Worship of God? Whether Excess and Deficiency Diversify the Species of Sins? Whether Presumption is Opposed to Magnanimity by Excess? Whether Ambition is Opposed to Magnanimity by Excess? Whether There Can be Sin in the Excess of Play? Excess in Dress, as Well as in Personal Culture, to be Shunned ... The Excess of his Pious Concern Caused Him to Shed Tears; and his ... The Triacontad of the Heretics Errs Both by Defect and Excess ... Origin of the Devil, in the Criminal Excess of the Sorrow of ... Whether the Theological virtues Observe the Mean? Thesaurus Excess (20 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) The state of surpassing normal limits or needs; superabundance; extravagance; as, an excess of wealth; an excess of light. ...Excess (20 Occurrences). ... /e/excess.htm - 12k Riot (14 Occurrences) Overrun (4 Occurrences) Odds (1 Occurrence) Flood (70 Occurrences) Ransomed (27 Occurrences) Excesses (3 Occurrences) Drinking (114 Occurrences) Surfeit (1 Occurrence) Banquet (58 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about moderation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.org What is the treasury of merit? | GotQuestions.org Excess: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Excess (20 Occurrences)Matthew 5:37 Matthew 23:25 Luke 12:45 Luke 15:13 1 Corinthians 11:21 2 Corinthians 2:7 2 Corinthians 8:15 2 Corinthians 11:23 Ephesians 5:18 Titus 1:6 1 Peter 4:3 1 Peter 4:4 Exodus 16:18 Numbers 3:46 Numbers 3:48 Numbers 3:49 1 Samuel 25:36 Psalms 38:6 Psalms 38:8 Proverbs 25:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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