Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, entertainments and feasting are frequently depicted as occasions that can lead to excess and moral decline. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and warnings about the dangers of intemperance associated with such gatherings.The book of Proverbs offers wisdom on the perils of overindulgence. Proverbs 23:20-21 advises, "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 highlights the potential for financial and moral ruin that can accompany excessive indulgence in food and drink. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of intemperance in his letters. In Ephesians 5:18 , he exhorts believers, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Here, Paul contrasts the reckless behavior associated with drunkenness with the spiritual fulfillment found in living a life guided by the Holy Spirit. The account of Belshazzar's feast in the book of Daniel serves as a stark illustration of the consequences of intemperance. During a lavish banquet, Belshazzar and his guests drank wine from the sacred vessels taken from the Jerusalem temple, leading to a divine judgment. Daniel 5:1-4 recounts, "King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them. Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them." This act of sacrilege, fueled by intemperance, resulted in the fall of Babylon that very night. The parable of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15:11-32, also illustrates the dangers of a lifestyle marked by excess. The younger son squanders his inheritance on "wild living" (Luke 15:13), which ultimately leads to his destitution and repentance. This narrative underscores the transient nature of pleasures derived from intemperance and the enduring value of repentance and reconciliation with God. The Bible also provides guidance on how to approach feasting and celebrations in a manner that honors God. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 , Paul instructs, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." This principle encourages believers to engage in activities, including entertainments, with a mindset that seeks to glorify God rather than indulge in excess. Throughout Scripture, the theme of temperance is consistently emphasized as a virtue that guards against the moral pitfalls associated with excessive indulgence. The biblical narrative warns of the spiritual and practical dangers of intemperance, urging believers to exercise self-control and to seek fulfillment in a life aligned with God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 25:36And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: why she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 5:3,4 Hosea 7:5 Library Church Fabrics and Services. part ii Resources What does the Bible say about fun and entertainment? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian consider a career in acting / entertainment? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian respond to Hollywood? | GotQuestions.org Entertainment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Entertainments: A Choice Portion Reserved In, for Principal Guests Entertainments: Anxiety to Have Many Guests At, Alluded To Entertainments: Began With Thanksgiving Entertainments: Concluded With a Hymn Entertainments: Custom of Presenting the Sop At, to One of the Guests, Entertainments: Forwardness to Take Chief Seats At, Condemned Entertainments: Given by the Guests in Return Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Birthdays Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Coronation of Kings Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Festivals Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Harvest Home Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Marriage Entertainments: Given on Occasions of National Deliverance Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Offering Voluntary Sacrifice Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Ratifying Covenants Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Return of Friends Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Sheep-Shearing Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Taking Leave of Friends Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Vintage Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Weaning Children Entertainments: Guests At: Arranged According to Rank Entertainments: Guests At: had Their Feet Washed when They Came a Distance Entertainments: Guests At: Often Ate from the Same Dish Entertainments: Guests At: Often had Separate Dishes Entertainments: Guests At: Saluted by the Master Entertainments: Guests At: Usually Anointed Entertainments: Invitations to Often Addressed to Many Entertainments: Invitations to Often by the Master in Person Entertainments: Invitations to Often Only to Relatives and Friends Entertainments: Invitations to Repeated Through Servants when all Things Were Ready Entertainments: Invitations to should be Sent to the Poor Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Banquet of Wine Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Dinner Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Supper Entertainments: Men and Women did not Usually Meet At Entertainments: Music and Dancing often Introduced At Entertainments: None Admitted To, After the Master had Risen and Shut The Entertainments: None Asked to Eat or Drink More than he Liked At Entertainments: Offense Given by Refusing to Go To Entertainments: Often Given in The Air, Besides Fountains Entertainments: Often Given in The Court of the House Entertainments: Often Given in The House Entertainments: Often Given in The Upper Room or Guest Chamber Entertainments: Often Scenes of Great Intemperance Entertainments: Portions of, often Sent to the Absent Entertainments: Preparations Made For Entertainments: Served often by Hired Servants Entertainments: Served often by Members of the Family Entertainments: Under the Direction of a Master of the Feast Related Terms |