5850 excess
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5760 Human attitudes and behaviour  »  5850 excess

A surplus of material or wealth, especially food or drink. Scripture criticises excessive consumption and extravagance, which are seen as exploiting the less fortunate and leading to a lack of concern for God.

Examples of excessive eating and drinking

The Israelites in idolatry

Exodus 32:2-6

The Israelites' greed, after God's miraculous provision

Numbers 11:32

The Israelites in luxury

Amos 6:4-6

Other examples of excess

See also 1 Samuel 25:36 Nabal; 1 Samuel 30:16 the Amalekites in victory; Isaiah 56:12 Israel's wicked watchmen; Daniel 5:1-4 King Belshazzar in pride; Philippians 3:19 the enemies of the cross of Christ; Revelation 18:3 the godless nations

Mentions of excess in Jesus Christ's parables

As a warning to the rich

Luke 12:18-21

As a warning against ingratitude and spiritual indifference

See also Luke 15:13; Luke 16:19-31

Excessive eating and drinking is never encouraged

Church leaders are not to overindulge

1 Timothy 3:2-3,8 See also Titus 1:7

It causes sickness

Proverbs 25:16 See also Proverbs 25:27

It brings poverty

Proverbs 23:20-21 See also Proverbs 21:17

It brings disgrace

Proverbs 28:7

It is associated with laziness

Titus 1:12

It shows a disregard for God

Isaiah 5:11-12 See also Hosea 4:10-11; Philippians 3:19

It leads the unwise man astray

Proverbs 20:1

Commands for believers to abstain from such excesses

Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:18 See also 1 Corinthians 6:10-13; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:13

The charging of excessive interest on loans is forbidden

Ezekiel 18:8,13,17; Ezekiel 22:12

See also

4404  food
4435  drinking
4544  wine
5310  exploitation
5353  interest
5772  abstinence, from drinking
5856  extravagance
5866  gluttony
5869  greed
8307  moderation
8339  self-control
8768  idolatry



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