Gluttony’s Opposite: Temperance and the Virtue of Moderation in the Bible

The Virtue That Opposes Gluttony

Gluttony, often described as the sin of consuming excessive amounts of food, is one of the seven deadly sins as recognized in various religious and cultural contexts. In the Bible, the virtue that opposes gluttony is Temperance. This virtue is deeply rooted in the principle of practicing moderation and balance in one's daily life. Contrary to gluttony, temperance involves knowing when to stop, being satisfied with one's contentment, and ensuring that there is enough for others as well.

Understanding Gluttony and Temperance

Gluttony is fundamentally about the overindulgence in food or other pleasures, often to the point of causing harm or distress to oneself and others. The biblical definition of gluttony goes beyond mere overeating; it implies a lack of self-restraint and a disregard for the well-being of others. Contrarily, temperance is the practice of self-control and restraint in all manner of earthly desires, including the consumption of food, drink, and other physical pleasures. This virtue is celebrated for its ability to bring balance and self-discipline into one's life.

The Parable of the Sparrow

Interestingly, the Bible does not provide a single word to describe the virtue of eating minimally or with moderation. However, the colloquial expression "eating like a sparrow" in modern North American culture can aptly describe this virtue. Just as tiny sparrows take small, measured portions of their food, the virtue of temperance involves consuming just enough to satisfy one's physical needs without excess.

The Bible’s View on Gluttony and Temperance

In Matthew 11:16-19, Jesus directly addresses the issue of temperance and moderation, connecting it with His own life and that of John the Baptist. He speaks of a generation that is unresponsive to the calls of virtue, much like young children sitting in the marketplace who neither enjoy the music nor respond to mournful wailing. This reflection underscores the importance of living a life of temperance and the foolishness of adhering to the excesses of gluttony.

John the Baptist and Jesus: Two Views of Virtue

John the Baptist exemplified the virtue of temperance through his simple lifestyle and adherence to the Nazirite vow in Numbers 6:2-3. He abstained from wine and practiced extreme self-restraint, yet he was unjustly accused of having a demonic influence. Conversely, Jesus lived a balanced life, eating and drinking in a measured way, yet He faced accusations of gluttony and excessive indulgence. Both figures demonstrated the importance of temperance in their respective lives, showcasing how true virtue can be initially misunderstood.

The Role of Works and Evidence

Ultimately, Jesus emphasizes that true virtue and the practice of temperance are proved by the works of those who exemplify them. In Matthew 11:18-19, He states that the evidence and actions of John and Himself disprove the false accusations they faced. This principle reinforces that the true measure of a person's virtue lies in their actions and how they interact with the world around them, rather than in the judgments of others.

Conclusion

Understanding the virtue of temperance and the opposite of gluttony is essential for living a balanced and virtuous life. Through the teachings of Jesus and the lives of figures like John the Baptist, we can see the importance of practicing moderation and self-control. While the Bible does not have a single term for minimal eater, the expression 'eating like a sparrow' can guide us in our understanding of this essential virtue.

Further Reading

For those seeking further elucidation on the biblical teachings on virtues and temperance, I recommend reading the book Enjoy Life Forever published by Jehovah's Witnesses. You can access this free book by clicking the link provided below.

Enjoy Life Forever