Weight Loss: Self- Control vs. Gluttony

Proverbs 23:20, 21 say “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.” Gluttony is eating without restraint. I have never been drunk but I see the correlation between the two. They both cause drowsiness and essentially ineffectiveness for God’s kingdom.

Proverbs 28:7 declares, “He who keeps the law is a discerning son, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.” And Proverbs 23:2 says, “Put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.” That's pretty harsh isn't it? But those are God's words not mine! The ability to say “no” to anything in excess is self-control (a fruit of the Spirit - Gal. 5:22). Gluttony is the opposite of self-control.


Think for a moment - If you saw a friend getting drunk you might have a talk with her. But if your friend orders an appetizer, dinner, AND dessert I doubt anyone would say anything about that. It’s the norm. If I complained I was so full that I felt sick – I don’t think anyone would be offended.

Gluttony destroys the body and is careless Christian living. In America, many diseases are on the rise as a result of gluttony. The rampant obesity in our culture is a result of gluttony (in most cases) and many people are reaping the harsh consequences of this sin that is rarely discussed in church yet is prevalent.

Food is a gift - obsessing over every little bite we take and worrying that we might gain a pound is not appreciating the gift of food that God has given us. But likewise, indulging in food to the point of gluttony is abusing the gift of food.

In Bible times people ate to sustain life - excess was only available to the wealthy. Women had to sweat a bit more doing their household tasks - they did not have washing machines, dish washers and cars to carry their groceries in. The Proverbs 31 woman had "arms strong for the task" and it wasn't from lifting weights - but from doing her daily work. She was not tempted to eat a big mac, fries, soda and ice cream.

Times really have changed and that is why the Bible seems silent on exercise and weight loss. The disciples would probably laugh if they saw the treadmills we run on. The Proverbs 31 lady might find our pilates exercises a bit strange and unnessary. We live in different times - but God's word was applicable yesterday, today and will be tomorrow. The principles of Proverbs stand and we must live by them.

If you are guilty of gluttony - that is you lack self-control with food and over-indulgulge yourself regularly - then the first step toward weight loss is to call gluttony what it is - sin. Repent of your sin.

Remember - on one end of the spectrum is obssession over every bite - that is not living freely. On the other end is gluttony - which imprisons you. In the middle is self-control, balance and freedom. Be free!

Walk with the King!

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