Gluttony: A Biblical Reflection on Sin and Contemporary Issues

This essay delves into the concept of gluttony, examining it as a sin from a biblical perspective. The author reflects on the definition of sin, differentiating between major and minor sins, and focusing specifically on gluttony as a contemporary issue often overlooked by Christians. The essay references biblical verses, such as Proverbs 23:21 and Ezekiel 16:49, to support the argument that gluttony is a root of evil and leads to negative consequences like poverty and spiritual downfall. It emphasizes the importance of controlling one's appetite and sharing food, contrasting gluttonous behavior with generosity and moderation. The essay also references the writings of St. Gregory the Great and other sources to underscore the detrimental effects of gluttony, encouraging readers to avoid this silent vice and honor God's creation through mindful eating habits and sharing.

Running head: GLUTTONY 1
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GLUTTONY 2
Reflection
The definition of sin is still a broad term for many of us. Some of the normal acts we do
are very sinful by the bible. The bible can be used to differentiate what is good and what is sinful
As a bible reader, one can figure out what the term sin means. To what extent can we
term some actions sin and others, not sins? Are there major sins and minor sins according to
you? These are some of the questions that we may be asking ourselves whenever we come across
some scenes in our daily lives. One of the issues that are often termed as sin is the issue of a
glutton. Glutton is one of the contemporary issues discussed in the Bible where the Bible
describes glutton as evil. A sin, thus with evidence from Bible scriptures it’s not worth a good
act being glutton.
Glutton in the current generation is a sinful act that most of the Christians tend to ignore.
We have often been rushing to label adultery, murder, and abuse of drugs as sins and at some
point tolerating glutton in our lives and community. Many Christians will openly condemn
people who abuse drugs, who have been committing adultery and who commit murder but tend
to ignore incidences of how they lock themselves in the houses and feel embarrassed when
someone visits them during meal time. This should not be the case. This is glutton and bible
condemns glutton. Many people seem not to notice whenever they practice glutton. It’s
something habitual as well. It’s defined as the uncontrolled desire that one creates for food.
In the Bible, we have several instances and verses that clearly show that glutton is not
good. I support the Bible's advice concerning the issue of gluttonous. The wise king Solomon in
the Bible advises us on some of the life aspects concerning glutton that should apply to our lives.
According to (Proverbs 23:21:21 “ 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” it’s evident that glutton is not qualified to be associated with goodness. Goodness is linked
with happiness, property, and greatness and In this case, the verse states that gluttons end up
being poor. Can one be made poor by something good? It’s a question that one should ask
themselves every time they feel like sharing very little with others regarding food.
Glutton, according to the bible is the root of evil. This means that; if one is not glutton,
they are destined for greatness and goodness shall always befall them (Lawson, 2017). If at all
we cannot manage and control our eating habits, chances of controlling other bad habits like
anger, sexual lust and drug abuse are very low. We should never let our bodies be under the
control of appetite for good, but instead, we should be controlling our appetites. It’s always good
to say no to excessive of every commodity and not only food. A glutton can lead us in
temptations, and severe loses. Nothing good that leads to loses. In the Bible, people of Sodom
and Gomorrah were glutton; they did not help the poor, they were very arrogant and did very
little to help and instead overfed themselves. This angered God and consequently punished them
with severe punishment. (Ezekiel 16:49 the King James Version)
No one would ever wish to be associated with glutton people. Christians should always
follow the bible example and do what is good. In this case, learn to share what you have, don’t
eat alone; don’t lock the doors when you are eating. Be generous with your foods. (St. Gregory

GLUTTONY 3
the great, 2000)Beware that glutton is the mother of most sins, avoiding it is the best way. It’s a
silent vice that many are never aware of when sinning. The Lord has filled the world with
thousands of foods, very delicious, very nutritious, very natural and pleasurable, why be glutton?
Why not be good to him and the rest of his creatures by sharing? By sharing, enjoying these
foods in the right manner, we are honoring Gods creation. God calls us to be in control of our
appetites, instead of being controlled by our appetites. (Susan, 2007)
References

GLUTTONY 4
Lawson, A. (2017). Is gluttony a sin? What does the Bible say about overeating? Got questions, 7.
St. Gregory the great. (2000). Morals on the Book of Job. Lectionary Central.
Susan, H. E. (2007). The Ooze of Gluttony. The Seven Deadly Sins: From Communities to Individuals, 64.