What we eat and how we care for our bodies matter to God. The Bible includes guidelines on diet and nutrition that point to health and discipline. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture addresses caring for our physical well-being.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Devotions
What Does The Bible Say About Diet And Nutrition
Genesis 1:29
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”
This verse emphasizes the original intent of God for humanity to consume plant-based foods as a primary source of nutrition. It highlights the abundant provision of God for our physical sustenance through the plants and trees He created.
Proverbs 23:20-21
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
This verse warns against excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and overindulgence in food. It cautions about the negative consequences that come from such behaviors, including poverty and lack of self-control.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.
This verse reminds believers that their bodies are a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. It encourages the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle that respects and honors God, recognizing that our bodies have been redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
This verse emphasizes the importance of living every aspect of our lives, including eating and drinking, with the purpose of bringing glory to God. It encourages believers to make mindful and intentional choices in their diet and nutrition.
Proverbs 15:17
Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.
This verse highlights the value of love and contentment over material abundance. It suggests that a simple meal consisting of vegetables, shared with love, can be more fulfilling and meaningful than a lavish feast consumed in a spirit of negativity.
Luke 9:13
But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.”
This verse captures the miracle of Jesus feeding thousands of people with just a few loaves of bread and fish. It demonstrates the power of God to provide, even in situations where resources are limited.
John 6:35
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
This verse presents Jesus as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance. It highlights the invitation to find fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with Him, which surpasses any physical hunger or thirst.
1 Timothy 4:3-4
They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.
This verse addresses false teachings that promoted abstaining from certain foods as a means of holiness. It affirms the goodness of God’s creation and encourages believers to receive all foods with thanksgiving, understanding that true holiness lies in the heart.
Romans 14:2
One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.
This verse speaks to the diversity of dietary beliefs and practices among believers. It emphasizes the importance of respecting and supporting one another’s choices, considering the individual’s faith and conviction.
1 Corinthians 10:25
Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience.
This verse addresses the concern of believers about food offered to idols. It encourages them to consume food without hesitation or guilt, as long as it is purchased from the ordinary market, not specifically dedicated to idols.
1 Timothy 4:8
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
This verse draws a parallel between physical training and spiritual growth. While physical exercise has its merits, it highlights that pursuing godliness is even more valuable, as it impacts not only the present life but also the eternal life to come.
Proverbs 28:7
A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.
This verse underscores the importance of wisdom and discernment in choosing one’s associates. It warns against the company of those who are gluttonous, as such relationships can bring shame and dishonor.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
This verse cautions against the deceptive influence of alcohol, suggesting that it can lead to foolishness, strife, and poor decision-making. It encourages wisdom and self-control in relation to the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Daniel 1:12
“Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink.”
This verse recounts the story of Daniel and his companions requesting a specific diet during their captivity. It demonstrates their commitment to honoring God in their eating habits and shows their faithfulness in following His principles.
Proverbs 16:24
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
This verse highlights the positive impact of kind and encouraging words on both the soul and physical well-being. It underscores the interconnectedness of emotional and physical health.
1 Timothy 5:23
Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
This verse offers practical advice from Paul to Timothy regarding his health. It suggests the use of wine in moderation for medicinal purposes, specifically in addressing digestive issues and frequent illnesses.
Proverbs 25:16
If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.
This verse provides a cautionary reminder about the importance of moderation in one’s consumption. It advises against excessive indulgence in sweet foods, recognizing that gluttony can lead to negative consequences.
1 Corinthians 9:27
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
This verse highlights the discipline and self-control that Paul exercised in his own life. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, physically and spiritually, in order to effectively serve God and avoid disqualification.
Proverbs 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.
This verse reveals the connection between emotional well-being and physical health. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a peaceful heart, as it contributes to a flourishing life and guards against the destructive effects of envy.
2 Corinthians 7:1
Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
This verse calls believers to pursue purity in all areas of life, including the care of their bodies. It encourages the practice of holiness with a deep reverence for God, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 2:20-23
Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
This verse addresses legalistic teachings that impose strict dietary rules and regulations as a means of spirituality. It underscores the futility and superficiality of such man-made rules, emphasizing that they do not have true power to restrain sensual indulgence or bring genuine spiritual growth.
Leviticus 11:1-47
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Of all the animals that live on land, these are the ones you may eat: You may eat any animal that has a divided hoof and that chews the cud. There are some that only chew the cud or only have a divided hoof, but you must not eat them. The camel, though it chews the cud, does not have a divided hoof; it is ceremonially unclean for you. You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you. Whatever in the water does not have fins and scales is to be regarded as unclean by you.'”
This portion of Scripture outlines specific guidelines regarding the consumption of various animals. It reflects God’s instruction to the Israelites, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals for food consumption, which also served as a symbol of their separation and obedience to God’s commands.
Mark 7:19
For it doesn’t go into their heart but into their stomach, and then out of the body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)
This verse records Jesus’ teaching about food and its effect on spiritual purity. He emphasized that what goes into the body does not defile a person’s heart or soul, declaring all foods clean and removing the dietary restrictions of the Old Testament laws.
Romans 14:14
I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.
This verse speaks to the freedom believers have in Christ regarding dietary choices. It acknowledges that while nothing is inherently unclean, individuals may have personal convictions that affect their dietary practices, and it encourages respecting those differences without judgment.