Is gluttony a sin?

Response

Playwright George Bernard Shaw once wrote, “There is no love more sincere than the love of food” (Man and Superman, Act I). While this may hold true for some individuals, they could potentially be accused of gluttony, which is the act of eating excessively. However, the affection for food should never overshadow the love for other, more significant matters.

The Bible’s cautions against gluttony are primarily indirect, with no direct statement declaring, “Gluttony is a sin.” Nevertheless, upon examining the concept of gluttony and its alignment with biblical principles, it becomes evident that gluttony is, indeed, a sinful behavior.

Gluttony involves consuming food excessively. Aquinas described gluttony as an “inordinate desire” for food and drink that surpasses moderation, thus deviating from virtue (Summa Theologica, Secunda Secundæ Partis, Question 148). Gluttony can be viewed as a type of greed—a self-centered craving for something—which is unquestionably sinful. Jesus cautioned against “all kinds of greed” «And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. », (Luke 12:15). Gluttony can also be interpreted as a lack of self-discipline, a trait that believers are encouraged to cultivate (2 Peter 1:5-6).

Gluttony is sinful because it elevates physical desires to an excessive level. Paul was cautious not to be “disqualified” from his ministry, and part of this caution involved physical discipline: “I discipline my body and keep it under control” «but I keep under my body, and bring it

into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway., (1 Corinthians 9:27, ESV). He determined that he would “not be mastered by anything” «All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. », (1 Corinthians 6:12). Believers are not to “indulge the flesh” «For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. », (Galatians 5:13). All of this seems to indicate that gluttony—eating to excess—is wrong. In contrast to Paul’s commitment to exercise control over his body, the enemies of the gospel give free rein to their appetites: “Their god is their stomach” «whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) », (Philippians 3:19).

Proverbs 23:19–21 mentions gluttony directly. In giving wisdom to those who would avoid self-induced hardship, the wise man says,

“Listen, my son, and be wise,

and set your heart on the right path:

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.”