Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, gluttony is often associated with the excessive indulgence in food and drink, representing a broader theme of self-indulgence and lack of self-control. The happiness of the wicked, as it pertains to gluttony, is depicted as fleeting and ultimately destructive, contrasting with the enduring joy found in righteousness and moderation.Biblical References: 1. Proverbs 23:20-21 : "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags." This passage warns against the company of gluttons and drunkards, highlighting the eventual downfall and poverty that result from such excess. The temporary pleasure derived from overindulgence is overshadowed by the long-term consequences of laziness and destitution. 2. Philippians 3:19 : "Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things." Here, the Apostle Paul describes those who prioritize their physical appetites above spiritual matters. The "god is their belly" metaphor underscores the idolatrous nature of gluttony, where bodily desires take precedence over devotion to God. The passage emphasizes the ultimate destruction awaiting those who find happiness in such earthly indulgences. 3. Proverbs 28:7 : "A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father." This proverb contrasts the wise and law-abiding individual with one who associates with gluttons, bringing shame upon their family. The happiness of the wicked, in this case, is shown to be superficial and dishonorable, lacking the respect and dignity that come from living a disciplined life. 4. Isaiah 22:13 : "But look, joy and gladness, butchering of cattle, slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat, and drinking of wine: 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!'" This verse captures the hedonistic attitude of those who seek happiness in gluttony, living for the moment without regard for future consequences. The phrase "for tomorrow we die" reflects a nihilistic worldview, where immediate gratification is prioritized over eternal considerations. Theological Insights: Gluttony, as a manifestation of the happiness of the wicked, is often linked to a broader rejection of divine wisdom and self-discipline. In the biblical narrative, it serves as a cautionary tale against the pursuit of temporary pleasures at the expense of spiritual well-being. The Scriptures consistently portray gluttony as a vice that leads to moral and physical decay, contrasting it with the virtues of temperance and self-control. The happiness derived from gluttony is depicted as shallow and ultimately unsatisfying, failing to provide the lasting fulfillment that comes from a life aligned with God's will. The Bible encourages believers to seek joy in moderation and to find contentment in the spiritual riches offered through a relationship with God, rather than in the fleeting pleasures of excess. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 22:13And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die. Nave's Topical Index Habakkuk 1:16 Library The Church is not to be Blamed for the Conduct of Bad Christians ... On Eating. Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man The Danger of Riches The Great Misery of those who Lose the Saints' Rest. Hail, Jesus; Attributes of Selfishness. Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ ... Christian Morals. Part iii. The True Gnostic Exercises Patience and Self-Restraint. Resources What is natural law? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the problem of good? | GotQuestions.org What is Christian hedonism? | GotQuestions.org Happiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Happiness of Saints in This Life is Abundant and Satisfying Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: Divine Chastening Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: Fear of God Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: Finding Wisdom Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: God Being Their Help Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: God Being Their Lord Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: Having Mercy on the Poor Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: Hope in the Lord Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: Hope of Glory Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: Obedience to God Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: Praising God Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: Salvation Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: Suffering for Christ Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: The Words of Christ Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: Their Mutual Love Happiness of Saints in This Life is Derived From: Trust in God Happiness of Saints in This Life is in God Happiness of Saints in This Life: Described by Christ in the Beatitudes Happiness of Saints in This Life: Only Found in the Ways of Wisdom Happiness of the Wicked is Limited to This Life Happiness of the Wicked is Short Happiness of the Wicked is Uncertain Happiness of the Wicked is Vain Happiness of the Wicked: Belshazzar Happiness of the Wicked: Drunkenness Happiness of the Wicked: Envy Not Happiness of the Wicked: Gluttony Happiness of the Wicked: Haman Happiness of the Wicked: Herod Happiness of the Wicked: Illustrated Happiness of the Wicked: Israel Happiness of the Wicked: Leads to Recklessness Happiness of the Wicked: Leads to Sorrow Happiness of the Wicked: Marred by Jealousy Happiness of the Wicked: Often Interrupted by Judgments Happiness of the Wicked: Saints often Permitted to See the End of Happiness of the Wicked: Sometimes a Stumbling-Block to Saints Happiness of the Wicked: Successful Oppression Happiness of the Wicked: Their Power Happiness of the Wicked: Their Wealth Happiness of the Wicked: Their Worldly Prosperity Happiness of the Wicked: Vain Pleasure Happiness of the Wicked: Woe Against The Happiness of the Wicked is Derived From: Drunkenness The Happiness of the Wicked is Derived From: Gluttony The Happiness of the Wicked is Derived From: Popular Applause The Happiness of the Wicked is Derived From: Successful Oppression The Happiness of the Wicked is Derived From: Their Power The Happiness of the Wicked is Derived From: Their Wealth The Happiness of the Wicked is Derived From: Their Worldly Prosperity The Happiness of the Wicked is Derived From: Vain Pleasure The Happiness of the Wicked is Limited to This Life The Happiness of the Wicked is Short The Happiness of the Wicked is Uncertain The Happiness of the Wicked is Vain The Happiness of the Wicked: Belshazzar The Happiness of the Wicked: Envy Not The Happiness of the Wicked: Haman The Happiness of the Wicked: Herod The Happiness of the Wicked: Illustrated The Happiness of the Wicked: Israel The Happiness of the Wicked: Leads to Recklessness The Happiness of the Wicked: Leads to Sorrow The Happiness of the Wicked: Marred by Jealousy The Happiness of the Wicked: Often Interrupted by Judgments The Happiness of the Wicked: Saints often Permitted to See the End of The Happiness of the Wicked: Sometimes a Stumbling-Block to Saints The Happiness of the Wicked: Woe Against Related Terms |