June 20 – Seven Deadly Sins: Gluttony

GLUTTONY

To define gluttony, in means literally, to gulp down or swallow; in Biblical context, it means a desire for over-indulgence at the neglect of others; an over-consumption of food, drink, or wealth items to the point of extravagance or waste.

The significance here is that gluttony is not only about eating too much, but is about over-indulgence of anything that causes waste and a refusal to share with the poor.  In essence, what we are talking about here is a lack of temperance or, self-control.  Biblically, it refers to me choosing to not discipline my life in such a way that I am in control of the flesh.  In turn, with my over-indulgence, I turn a deaf ear or a blind eye to others who may have a need.

I did not realize (until looking into this study) that gluttony was also one of the sins of Sodom which brought about God’s judgment on the city?  Notice the bottom line… they had plenty to eat, but did not help the poor and needy.

Ezek 16:49  Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.

Under the Old Law, gluttony was also part of the identification with a rebel, in which they were to be taken out and stoned to death for that life-style. 

Deut. 21:20-21 “… and they shall say to 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.  Then all the men of the city shall stone him to death with stones.”

I wonder how God feels about gluttony?  Gluttony is clearly not of God, but is from my own fleshly desires.  A heart of gluttonous indulgence (in any manner) is legitimately a sin that can lead to eternal damnation.