Defining Excess of Food Through Biblical Teachings

What is excess of food?

Building on the warning against overindulgence, the biblical concept of 'excess of food' refers to eating beyond what is necessary for sustenance or health.

This contrasts with normal eating by prioritizing pleasure or gluttony over moderation, as Proverbs 25:16 advises, 'Have you found honey? Eat only as much as is good for you...' Scripture frames moderation and gratitude as virtues, whereas excess reflects a lack of self-control and disregard for spiritual priorities.

Proverbs 25:16 and the Call for Moderation

Proverbs 25:16 directly addresses the dangers of overindulgence by using honey as a metaphor for any pleasure that risks excess.

The verse explicitly warns, 'Have you found honey? Eat only as much as is good for you,' framing moderation as a wisdom-guided practice rather than mere self-denial. Biblical teaching here links self-restraint to spiritual maturity, suggesting excess reflects a failure to honor God with gratitude for His provisions. This principle extends beyond food to all earthly pleasures, emphasizing that wisdom tempers enjoyment with discernment.

By advocating moderation, the verse underscores a broader spiritual principle: aligning one’s desires with wisdom and gratitude, rather than fleeting pleasures. This mindset prepares readers to explore how biblical teachings on excess extend to other areas of life.

Biblical Wisdom on Food and Provision

Biblical wisdom literature addresses the tension between enjoying God’s provision and avoiding excess, emphasizing moderation as a mark of spiritual discernment.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 acknowledges the divine gift of enjoying food and labor, yet its emphasis on 'finding joy in their toil' implies that overindulgence in pleasure risks neglecting purposeful living. Proverbs 13:25 contrasts the righteous, who find satisfaction in God’s provision, with the wicked, who face hunger due to their moral failure - suggesting that excess without righteousness leads to spiritual emptiness. Such passages warn that gluttony may foster spiritual complacency, prioritizing temporal pleasures over eternal values, while also reflecting a disregard for the community, as excess often occurs alongside deprivation elsewhere. This wisdom tradition thus calls for gratitude and self-restraint, framing moderation not as a denial of joy but as a way to honor God’s design for human flourishing.

Excess as a Spiritual Discipline

In Christian spiritual disciplines, excess of food is counterbalanced by practices like fasting and self-control, as seen in Paul’s teachings on moderation and freedom.

Paul acknowledges the freedom to eat but cautions against letting it dominate one’s life (1 Corinthians 6:12), stating, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful." He contrasts this with the 'fruit of the Spirit,' where self-control (Galatians 5:23) becomes a discipline to resist overindulgence. These teachings highlight that spiritual maturity involves discerning when to abstain, as well as when to partake.

By practicing restraint, believers align their desires with God’s wisdom, avoiding the spiritual complacency warned against in Proverbs. This discipline not only nurtures personal holiness but also fosters a heart of generosity, preparing us to explore how biblical teachings address communal responsibility in food provision.

Why excess of food Matters Today

Biblical warnings against excess of food remain urgently relevant in an era marked by overconsumption and food waste.

Proverbs 25:16 - 'Have you found honey? Eat only as much as is good for you' - challenges modern habits of indulgence, urging gratitude for God’s provision. In a culture that equates abundance with success, excess often masks spiritual complacency, neglecting the needs of the hungry. This calls believers to practice mindful consumption, recognizing food as a gift meant to be shared, not hoarded.

Practically, this involves disciplines like fasting and mindful eating, which cultivate gratitude and self-restraint. Such practices not only honor God’s design but also prepare hearts for the communal responsibility of addressing food inequality.

Going Deeper

To apply biblical principles of moderation, believers can explore related disciplines like fasting and stewardship, which cultivate gratitude and align desires with God's purposes.

Matthew 6:16-18 encourages fasting as a private act of devotion, while 1 Timothy 6:17-19 calls the wealthy to "do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." Additionally, Psalm 24:1 - "The earth is the Lord’s" - invites reflection on creation care, ensuring resources are shared equitably. Practically, readers might begin by setting mindful eating goals, participating in fasting for spiritual growth, or supporting initiatives that address food inequality in their communities.