The concept of gluttony, particularly among rulers and princes, is a recurring theme in the Bible, highlighting the destructive consequences of excessive indulgence and lack of self-control. Gluttony, in this context, extends beyond mere overconsumption of food and drink; it encompasses a broader sense of indulgence in luxury, power, and wealth at the expense of one's responsibilities and the well-being of the people.

The Bible provides several examples and warnings about the dangers of gluttony among leaders. In the book of Proverbs, wisdom literature offers insights into the pitfalls of indulgence. Proverbs 28:7 states, "A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father." This verse underscores the shame and dishonor that gluttony can bring, not only to the individual but also to their family and, by extension, their realm.

The prophet Ezekiel also addresses the issue of gluttonous leaders. In Ezekiel 34:2-3, the Lord speaks against the shepherds of Israel, who are symbolic of the leaders: "Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock." Here, the leaders' self-indulgence and neglect of their duties result in the suffering of the people, illustrating how gluttony can lead to the ruin of a nation.

The narrative of King Solomon serves as a cautionary tale of how even a wise and initially righteous ruler can fall into the trap of gluttony. Solomon's wealth and indulgence in luxury, as described in 1 Kings 10:14-29, eventually led to his spiritual decline and the division of the kingdom after his death. His excessive accumulation of wealth and foreign alliances through marriage distracted him from his devotion to God and his responsibilities to his people.

In the New Testament, Jesus warns against the dangers of indulgence and the pursuit of worldly pleasures. In Luke 21:34, He cautions, "But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare." This warning is particularly relevant to leaders, who are called to remain vigilant and focused on their duties rather than succumbing to the distractions of excess.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of gluttony in his epistles. In Philippians 3:19, he describes those "whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things." This passage highlights the spiritual peril of prioritizing physical and material desires over spiritual and moral obligations.

Throughout Scripture, the gluttony of princes is depicted as a vice that not only corrupts the individual but also has far-reaching consequences for their subjects. Leaders are called to exercise self-control, humility, and a focus on serving their people, reflecting the biblical principle that true leadership is characterized by stewardship and sacrifice rather than self-indulgence.Ecclesiastes 10:16,17
Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child, and your princes eat in the morning!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Peter of Chelcic, 1419-1450.
... bargains ever struck, the most wicked, ruinous and pernicious ... as sins when committed
by princes, nobles and ... He accused them, further, of laziness and gluttony. ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iv peter of chelcic.htm

V. ...
... Peter calls them damnable or ruinous heresies, for they run ... much greater than that
of secular princes as the ... is the cause of their continual gluttony and revel ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v 2.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... that they were to me as if they had found a new world, as if they were people that
dwelt alone, and were not to be reckoned among their neighbors' (Numbers 23:9 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

part ii
... Is it not through gluttony, through expensive dress, like the ... the common people,
but also of nobles and princes'? ... and no love for God and their neighbour, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

What does the Bible say about eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia)? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian work where alcohol and tobacco are sold? | GotQuestions.org

Is caffeine addiction a sin? | GotQuestions.org

Gluttony: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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