Definition and Concept
Moderation, in a biblical context, refers to the practice of self-control, temperance, and balance in one's actions, thoughts, and lifestyle. It is the avoidance of excess and the pursuit of a balanced life that aligns with God's will. Moderation is often associated with wisdom and discernment, guiding believers to live in a way that honors God and reflects His character.

Biblical References
The concept of moderation is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of self-control and balance. In Philippians 4:5, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers, "Let your gentleness be apparent to all. The Lord is near." The term "gentleness" in this context can also be understood as moderation, suggesting a demeanor that is calm, reasonable, and considerate.

Proverbs 25:16 warns against excess: "If you find honey, eat just enough—lest you have too much and vomit it." This proverb illustrates the principle of moderation by advising against overindulgence, even in things that are good.

In 1 Corinthians 9:25, Paul uses the metaphor of an athlete to describe the disciplined life of a believer: "Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable." Here, the emphasis is on self-control and the pursuit of spiritual goals over worldly desires.

Theological Significance
Moderation is a reflection of the fruit of the Spirit, particularly self-control, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law." The presence of self-control in a believer's life is evidence of the Holy Spirit's work, enabling them to resist temptation and live in a way that pleases God.

Moderation is also linked to wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:21-22: "My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment. They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck." Wisdom and discernment guide believers in making choices that reflect moderation, leading to a life that is both fulfilling and honoring to God.

Practical Application
In practical terms, moderation calls believers to evaluate their habits, desires, and priorities. It encourages a lifestyle that avoids extremes, whether in consumption, behavior, or emotions. This balanced approach is not only beneficial for personal well-being but also serves as a testimony to others of a life transformed by Christ.

Moderation can be applied to various aspects of life, including diet, finances, entertainment, and relationships. By practicing moderation, believers demonstrate stewardship of the resources and opportunities God has given them, using them wisely and for His glory.

Challenges to Moderation
In a world that often promotes excess and instant gratification, maintaining moderation can be challenging. Believers are called to be counter-cultural, resisting the pressures to conform to societal norms that prioritize self-indulgence. Romans 12:2 advises, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."

Through prayer, accountability, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, Christians can cultivate moderation in their lives, standing as witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel.1 Timothy 5:23
Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your often infirmities.
Topicalbible.org

1. (n.) Temperance; the act of imposing due restraint.

2. (n.) The state or quality of being moderate.

3. (n.) Calmness of mind; equanimity; as, to bear adversity with moderation.

4. (n.) The first public examinations for degrees at the University of Oxford; -- usually contracted to mods.

MODERATION

mod-er-a'-shun (to epieikes): The word occurs once in the King James Version, Philippians 4:5.

4996. sophronos -- with sound mind
... sound mind. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: sophronos Phonetic Spelling:
(so-fron'-oce) Short Definition: soberly, with moderation Definition: soberly ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4996.htm - 7k

1933. epieikes -- seemly, equitable, yielding
... gentle, moderation, patient. From epi and eiko; appropriate, ie (by implication)
mild -- gentle, moderation, patient. see GREEK epi. see GREEK eiko. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1933.htm - 7k

4994. sophronizo -- to recall one to his senses, admonish
... This radical-moderation requires a perspective that is eclectic, combining the
legitimate extremities of truth from both sides of a matter. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4994.htm - 8k

2165. euphraino -- to cheer, make merry
... 2165 -- (from 2095 , "good" and 5424 , "moderation as personal ") -- properly, having
a merry outlook (cheery state of mind) because feeling the sense of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2165.htm - 8k

5012. tapeinophrosune -- lowliness of mind, humility
... 5012 (a noun, derived from 5011 , "low, humble" and 5424 , "moderation as by inner
perspective") -- properly, ; , "" of human pride (self-government); that of ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5012.htm - 7k

5432. sese -- to drive away
... root Definition to drive away NASB Word Usage banishing (1). measure. For c'ah;
measurement, ie Moderation -- measure. see HEBREW c'ah. 5431, 5432. ...
/hebrew/5432.htm - 6k

Moderation.
... CHRISTIAN CHARACTER AND LIFE. 402. " Moderation. 402. CM Needham. Moderation.
1 Happy the man whose cautious steps Still keep ...
//christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/402 moderation.htm

Moderation. March 25.
... Moderation. March 25. Let us pray for that great"I had almost said that
crowning grace and virtue of Moderation, what St. Paul ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/daily thoughts /moderation march 25.htm

And with what Moderation and Self-Restraint those Men Used their ...
... Book 3 Chapter 31. And with what moderation and self-restraint those men
used their wives appears chiefly in? 31. And with what ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 31 and with what.htm

August 24. "Let Your Moderation be Known unto all Men" (Phil. Iv. ...
... AUGUST 24. "Let your moderation be known unto all men" (Phil. iv. 5). "Let
your moderation be known unto all men" (Philippians 4:5). ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /august 24 let your moderation.htm

Exhortations to Earnestness and Moderation.
... Chapter I."Exhortations to earnestness and moderation. I Exhort thee in God, that
thou add [speed] to thy course, and that thou vindicate thy dignity. ...
/.../chapter i exhortations to earnestness and.htm

On Temperance and Its Chief Parts, Especially Tranquillity of Mind ...
... by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan. Book I. Chapter XLIII. On temperance and its
chief parts, especially tranquillity of mind and moderation? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xliii on temperance and.htm

Touching Next Upon the Training of a virgin, He Speaks of ...
... Book III. Chapter II. Touching next upon the training of a virgin, he
speaks of moderation in food and? Touching next upon the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ii touching next upon.htm

We must not Lie, Even for the Sake of Moderation. The Praise of ...
... A Treatise on nature and grace, against pelagius; Chapter 38 [XXXIV.]"We
Must Not Lie, Even for the Sake of Moderation. The Praise ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 38 xxxiv we must not.htm

Whether Temperance is Only About Desires and Pleasures?
... Objection 3: Further, according to Ambrose (De Offic. i, 43) "the grace of
moderation belongs to temperance": and Tully says (De Offic. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether temperance is only about.htm

Whether the Parts of Temperance are Rightly Assigned?
... many more parts of temperance: for he says that "temperance results in modesty,
shamefacedness, abstinence, chastity, honesty, moderation, lowliness, sobriety ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the parts of temperance.htm

Moderation (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) The state or quality of being moderate. 3. (n.) Calmness of mind;
equanimity; as, to bear adversity with moderation. ...MODERATION. ...
/m/moderation.htm - 7k

Moderately (1 Occurrence)
... In Philippians 4:5 the King James Version, toe pieikes is translated
moderation: "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The ...
/m/moderately.htm - 10k

Temperance (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites
and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence; moderation; as, temperance in ...
/t/temperance.htm - 12k

Gentleness (17 Occurrences)
... so also Psalm 18:35, where the word is `anwah "humility," "gentleness," or
"condescension." In the New Testament epieikeia ("fairness," "moderation," in Acts ...
/g/gentleness.htm - 13k

Sirach
... Sirach 31:12-18). Moderation in eating is necessary for health as well as
for appearance' sake (Sirach 31:19-22). Mourning for the ...
/s/sirach.htm - 34k

Gamaliel (7 Occurrences)
... apostles were brought before the council, charged with preaching the resurrection
of Jesus, as a zealous Pharisee Gamaliel councelled moderation and calmness. ...
/g/gamaliel.htm - 13k

Temper (14 Occurrences)
... temper; a fretful temper. 10. (n.) Calmness of mind; moderation; equanimity;
composure; as, to keep one's temper. 11. (n.) Heat of ...
/t/temper.htm - 13k

Repose (8 Occurrences)
... 9. (n.) A rest; a pause. 10. (v.) That harmony or moderation which affords rest
for the eye; -- opposed to the scattering and division of a subject into too ...
/r/repose.htm - 9k

Excess (20 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) An undue indulgence of the appetite; transgression of proper moderation
in natural gratifications; intemperance; dissipation. ...
/e/excess.htm - 12k

Measure (269 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) Extent or degree not excessive or beyond bounds; moderation; due restraint;
esp. in the phrases, in measure; with measure; without or beyond measure. ...
/m/measure.htm - 45k

What does the Bible say about moderation? | GotQuestions.org

Is getting drunk a sin? | GotQuestions.org

Did Jesus drink wine/alcohol? | GotQuestions.org

Moderation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus