55 Bible Verses About Gluttony

Gluttony is the habit of consuming more than what is needed, especially when it comes to food. It goes beyond enjoying a good meal. Gluttony happens when eating becomes excessive, uncontrolled, or driven by emotional needs rather than physical hunger. In many cases, it reflects a deeper issue—using food for comfort, escape, or control.

In the Bible, gluttony is often linked with a lack of self-discipline and spiritual imbalance. It is not just about physical appetite but also about the heart’s desire for more than enough.

This guide walks you through powerful Bible verses that speak directly to your struggle with overindulgence. You will find wisdom, warnings, and encouragement that bring clarity, conviction, and real hope.

What does the Bible say about gluttony?

The Bible speaks clearly about gluttony as a serious issue. It is often mentioned alongside other sins like drunkenness, laziness, and greed. Proverbs warns that gluttony leads to poverty and spiritual dullness. In Philippians, Paul speaks of people whose god is their stomach. That shows how gluttony can replace true devotion.

God calls for self-control, not just in speech or actions, but also in appetite. I believe this is because overindulgence clouds judgment and weakens discipline. In many verses, food is not the problem. The heart behind the habit is. Gluttony is not just about weight or meals. It reflects a deeper hunger that only God can satisfy.

Warnings Against Gluttony

Proverbs 23:20-21

“Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”
Description: This passage warns against keeping company with those who overindulge in food and drink.
Interpretation: Gluttony is shown as a path to poverty and ruin. It leads not just to physical decay but also to a careless lifestyle that dishonors God and harms the soul.

Proverbs 28:7

“Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.”
Description: This verse contrasts obedience with the shame that comes from choosing reckless friends.
Interpretation: Gluttony thrives in the company of those who reject discipline. Staying close to such habits brings disgrace and spiritual blindness.

Deuteronomy 21:20

“And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.”
Description: Parents describe their disobedient son using gluttony and drunkenness as key signs of rebellion.
Interpretation: Gluttony is linked with spiritual rebellion. It reflects a heart that refuses correction and chooses excess over wisdom.

Philippians 3:19

“Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.”
Description: Paul speaks of people who live only for physical pleasure.
Interpretation: Gluttony becomes idolatry when appetite rules over faith. It shows a life guided by the flesh, not the Spirit.

Titus 1:12

“One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.”
Description: Paul quotes a cultural saying to point out the laziness and indulgence of the people.
Interpretation: Gluttony weakens moral character and clouds the mind. It is often paired with deceit and spiritual apathy.

Ezekiel 16:49

“Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters…”
Description: God lists the sins of Sodom, including gluttony and laziness.
Interpretation: Gluttony is not just physical but spiritual neglect. Too much ease can harden the heart toward God and the needy.

Proverbs 23:2

“And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.”
Description: A vivid warning about uncontrolled eating.
Interpretation: This verse shows the seriousness of self-control. Gluttony is not a light matter—it requires discipline and strong boundaries.

Proverbs 25:16

“Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.”
Description: Even good things should be enjoyed in moderation.
Interpretation: Gluttony often begins with excess in what is otherwise harmless. Restraint keeps pleasure from becoming poison.

Proverbs 23:3

“Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.”
Description: A warning about craving rich foods offered by the powerful.
Interpretation: Gluttony can mask itself as hospitality or reward. But unchecked desire leads to spiritual compromise.

Luke 21:34

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life…”
Description: Jesus warns about spiritual distraction through overindulgence.
Interpretation: Gluttony numbs the soul. It pulls attention away from God and blinds the heart to His coming.

Job 15:27

“Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on his flanks.”
Description: Job’s friend describes the wicked man as one who indulges in excess.
Interpretation: This verse shows how gluttony can become a symbol of pride. It reveals a life centered on self and material comfort, not righteousness.

Self-Control and Discipline

Galatians 5:22-23

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Description: Paul lists the qualities that grow in a Spirit-led life.
Interpretation: Temperance, or self-control, is the opposite of gluttony. A person led by the Spirit resists excess and seeks balance.

1 Corinthians 9:27

“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.”
Description: Paul talks about controlling his physical desires to remain faithful.
Interpretation: Gluttony is defeated through discipline. A faithful servant of God must train the body as carefully as the soul.

2 Timothy 1:7

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Description: Paul reminds believers that they are equipped with strength and clarity.
Interpretation: A sound mind resists urges like gluttony. Self-control comes not from willpower alone but from God’s Spirit.

1 Peter 1:13

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end…”
Description: Peter calls believers to spiritual readiness and self-restraint.
Interpretation: Gluttony clouds judgment. A sober mind prepares the heart to live with focus and purpose.

Titus 2:11-12

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men… we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
Description: God’s grace teaches a new way of living.
Interpretation: Gluttony has no place in a life shaped by grace. Self-control is not legalism—it is a response to salvation.

Romans 13:13-14

“Let us walk honestly… not in rioting and drunkenness… But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.”
Description: Paul urges believers to reject indulgence and walk in holiness.
Interpretation: Gluttony begins when the flesh is given too much room. Following Christ means denying fleshly desires.

1 Corinthians 10:31

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Description: Everything, even eating, should honor God.
Interpretation: Gluttony dishonors God when food becomes the focus instead of the Father. Even meals are meant to be worship.

Proverbs 16:32

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”
Description: True strength lies in self-control.
Interpretation: Gluttony is a sign of lost control. God sees greater power in restraint than in conquest.

1 Thessalonians 5:6

“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”
Description: Believers must stay alert and spiritually focused.
Interpretation: Gluttony dulls spiritual senses. Sobriety protects the soul from drift and disorder.

1 Peter 4:7

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”
Description: Peter connects watchfulness with sobriety.
Interpretation: In times of urgency, gluttony is dangerous. A sober spirit remains clear, prayerful, and strong in faith.

Colossians 3:5

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness… and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
Description: Paul commands believers to put sinful desires to death.
Interpretation: Gluttony is fueled by covetousness. When food becomes a god, it leads to spiritual death.

Consequences of Overindulgence

Isaiah 5:11

“Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!”
Description: Isaiah speaks a warning to those consumed by excessive drinking.
Interpretation: Gluttony, like drunkenness, leads to spiritual blindness. Living for indulgence leaves no room for repentance or reverence.

Proverbs 21:17

“He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.”
Description: Loving comfort and luxury leads to loss.
Interpretation: Gluttony invites waste. A life centered on comfort lacks the discipline needed for true prosperity.

Matthew 24:49-51

“And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken… and shall appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Description: Jesus describes the unfaithful servant lost in overindulgence.
Interpretation: Gluttony is not just harmful—it is judged. It reflects unfaithfulness and leads to separation from God.

Romans 16:18

“For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Description: Paul speaks of false teachers driven by self-interest.
Interpretation: Gluttony can take many forms. Serving the belly over Christ corrupts motives and leads others astray.

Isaiah 22:13

“And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen… eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.”
Description: The people indulge with no regard for God’s warnings.
Interpretation: Gluttony mocks God’s truth. A life ruled by appetite loses urgency for righteousness.

Lamentations 1:22

“Let all their wickedness come before thee; and do unto them, as thou hast done unto me… for my sighs are many, and my heart is faint.”
Description: The speaker mourns the results of sin and judgment.
Interpretation: Gluttony may feel small, but it often invites heavier spiritual consequences. It weakens both heart and soul.

Hosea 13:6

“According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted; therefore have they forgotten me.”
Description: God explains how abundance led Israel to forget Him.
Interpretation: Gluttony fosters pride and forgetfulness. When the body is full, the spirit can grow distant from its source.

Luke 16:25

“But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things… but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.”
Description: In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, indulgence is contrasted with suffering.
Interpretation: Gluttony may bring temporary ease, but without repentance, it leads to eternal regret.

Proverbs 13:25

“The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.”
Description: There is a difference between righteous hunger and wicked craving.
Interpretation: Gluttony leaves a person empty despite fullness. Only God satisfies the soul.

Isaiah 56:12

“Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine… and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.”
Description: The people speak carelessly about indulging again.
Interpretation: Gluttony breeds false security. Living for more today often ignores the need for change tomorrow.

1 Samuel 2:29

“Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice… to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?”
Description: God rebukes Eli’s sons for their corrupt use of holy offerings.
Interpretation: Gluttony can become a spiritual offense when it steals from what belongs to God. It reflects a heart that serves the flesh, not faith.

See More: Bible Verses About How God Sees Us as Beautiful

God’s Call to Moderation

Ecclesiastes 10:17

“Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!”
Description: A nation is blessed when its leaders eat with purpose, not indulgence.
Interpretation: Gluttony wastes strength. God honors those who eat to live, not those who live to eat.

Matthew 4:4

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Description: Jesus reminds that physical food is not life’s true source.
Interpretation: Gluttony misplaces trust. True sustenance comes from the Word of God, not from what fills the plate.

Proverbs 30:8-9

“Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me…”
Description: The writer prays for balance in provision.
Interpretation: Gluttony grows from greed. Contentment protects the heart and keeps faith grounded.

1 Timothy 6:6-8

“But godliness with contentment is great gain… having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
Description: Paul teaches that simple living with godliness is true wealth.
Interpretation: Gluttony ignores contentment. The more the flesh demands, the more the soul loses.

Matthew 6:31-33

“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or… drink?… But seek ye first the kingdom of God…”
Description: Jesus urges people not to worry about food but to trust God.
Interpretation: Gluttony is driven by worry and self-reliance. When the kingdom is the priority, God takes care of the rest.

Hebrews 13:5

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have…”
Description: This verse urges believers to reject greed and embrace trust in God.
Interpretation: Gluttony often begins with covetousness. A content heart rests in what God has already given.

Luke 3:11

“He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.”
Description: John the Baptist calls for sharing and compassion.
Interpretation: Gluttony keeps for self. God’s way is generosity—giving instead of hoarding.

1 Corinthians 6:12

“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient… I will not be brought under the power of any.”
Description: Paul speaks about freedom and control.
Interpretation: Gluttony takes power when boundaries break. God’s people are called to mastery, not bondage.

Ecclesiastes 5:10

“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase…”
Description: The craving for more never ends.
Interpretation: Gluttony reflects an unsatisfied heart. True peace comes when desires are put in their place.

Psalm 34:10

“The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”
Description: Even the strongest lack, but God provides for His own.
Interpretation: Gluttony stems from fear of lack. Trust in God removes the need to overconsume.

Luke 12:15

“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.”
Description: Jesus warns against defining life by possessions.
Interpretation: Gluttony is not just physical—it is a mindset. Life is about purpose, not portions.

Hope and Transformation for the Glutton

Romans 12:1-2

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice… be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Description: Paul urges believers to surrender their bodies and minds to God.
Interpretation: Gluttony loses its grip when the body is yielded to Christ. Transformation starts in the mind, not the stomach.

Psalm 107:9

“For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”
Description: God provides what truly satisfies the deepest hunger.
Interpretation: Gluttony fades when the soul is filled with God’s presence. Real satisfaction is spiritual, not physical.

Isaiah 58:11

“And the Lord shall guide thee continually… and thou shalt be like a watered garden…”
Description: God promises to refresh and sustain His people.
Interpretation: Gluttony drains the soul. But God’s guidance and peace restore what excess destroys.

John 6:35

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life… he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
Description: Jesus declares Himself the true source of life and satisfaction.
Interpretation: Gluttony is a symptom of deeper hunger. Only Christ can meet that eternal need.

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Description: In Christ, the past is erased and a new life begins.
Interpretation: Gluttony does not define the believer. Change is possible through the power of grace.

Jeremiah 31:25

“For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.”
Description: God promises to satisfy and renew the tired heart.
Interpretation: Gluttony often grows from sorrow or stress. God’s comfort brings peace without excess.

Matthew 5:6

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
Description: Jesus blesses those who long for God above all.
Interpretation: Gluttony misdirects hunger. When the soul craves righteousness, God fills it with lasting joy.

Psalm 73:26

“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
Description: The psalmist acknowledges weakness but trusts in God.
Interpretation: Gluttony thrives when we rely on the flesh. Strength comes from surrender, not from self.

Galatians 2:20

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live… Christ liveth in me…”
Description: Paul declares his life belongs to Christ.
Interpretation: Gluttony cannot rule a life surrendered to Christ. His presence brings power over every craving.

John 4:14

“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst…”
Description: Jesus offers living water that quenches forever.
Interpretation: Gluttony feeds the flesh again and again. Jesus gives a fullness that does not fade.

Romans 8:13

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
Description: Life comes through putting to death the desires of the flesh.
Interpretation: Gluttony brings spiritual death. But the Spirit gives strength to overcome and walk in life.

Conclusion

Gluttony is not just about eating too much. It is a deeper issue of discipline, desire, and the condition of the heart. Through these verses, you have seen how the Bible speaks clearly about its dangers, its consequences, and the way out through spiritual renewal. You now understand that God does not condemn out of anger but corrects out of love.

This article helped reveal how Scripture views gluttony and what real change looks like. It offered truth, hope, and wisdom rooted in faith—not shame. You were guided through warnings, teachings, and promises that remind you it is possible to live in freedom, not under the weight of overindulgence.

The choice to grow begins with one honest step. You are not alone, and with God, true change is always within reach.