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
