The Bible doesn’t directly address body size but does talk about health, self-control, and caring for one’s body as a temple. The focus is on living a balanced life that honors God through healthy habits.
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What Does The Bible Say About Fat People
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 us that our bodies are a gift from God and should be treated with respect. Taking care of our physical health is important as it allows us to better serve God and fulfill our purpose. It encourages us to honor God with our bodies by making choices that promote well-being and good health.
Ecclesiastes 10:17
“Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness!”
This verse reminds us to practice self-control and moderation in our eating habits. Feasting should be done for strength and nourishment, rather than indulging in excess. It encourages us to make wise choices regarding food and to seek nourishment that benefits our bodies and promotes good health.
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 cautions against the dangers of excessive eating and overindulgence. It warns of the negative consequences that can result from a lifestyle characterized by gluttony. It encourages us to practice self-discipline and exercise moderation in our consumption of food and drink.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse reminds us that our actions, including our choices regarding food and drink, should be done with the intention of bringing glory to God. It encourages us to consider how our dietary choices align with our faith and to make decisions that are in line with God’s will.
Proverbs 23:2
“And put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite.”
This verse uses strong language to emphasize the importance of self-control when it comes to our appetites. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of our desires and to exercise discipline over our eating habits. It encourages us to resist the temptation to indulge in excess and to prioritize self-discipline for the sake of our physical and spiritual well-being.
Philippians 3:19
“Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”
This verse warns of the dangers of allowing our desires, particularly our appetites, to become our ultimate focus and priority. When we prioritize earthly pleasures over our relationship with God, it can lead to destruction. It reminds us to keep our minds set on heavenly things and to not allow our physical desires to overshadow our spiritual growth.
Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.”
This proverb teaches the importance of moderation and self-control. It uses the illustration of finding honey to highlight the temptation to overindulge. It reminds us that excessive consumption can have negative consequences and encourages us to exercise restraint in all areas of our lives, including our eating habits.
Romans 14:21
“It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything that causes your brother or sister to stumble.”
This verse reminds us to consider the impact of our actions on others, particularly in relation to food and drink. It encourages us to act in love and to be mindful of how our choices may influence the faith and well-being of our fellow believers. It calls us to prioritize the unity and spiritual growth of the body of Christ over our personal desires.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.”
This passage emphasizes the call to live a life that brings glory to God in all aspects, including our choices regarding food and drink. It encourages us to be considerate of others and to avoid causing offense or stumbling. It reminds us of the importance of prioritizing the spiritual well-being and salvation of others above our personal preferences.
Proverbs 28:7
“The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.”
This proverb highlights the negative consequences that can come from associating with those who are indulgent and gluttonous. It serves as a reminder to choose our companions wisely and to avoid being influenced by those who prioritize excessive consumption and unhealthy habits. It encourages us to seek wisdom and understanding in our choices and associations.
1 Corinthians 9:27
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
This verse speaks to the importance of self-discipline and self-control in the life of a believer. It reminds us that we are called to live in a manner that aligns with our faith, and that includes taking care of our physical bodies. It emphasizes the need to practice what we preach and to not allow our actions to contradict our words.
Proverbs 16:32
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
While not directly addressing the topic of weight or eating, this verse speaks to the importance of self-control and discipline in general. It encourages us to rule over our own spirits, which includes our desires and inclinations. It reminds us that self-control is a sign of strength and wisdom, and it benefits all areas of our lives, including our physical health and well-being.
Proverbs 25:27
“It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.”
This proverb reminds us of the importance of balance and moderation. Just as excessive consumption of honey is not good, obsessing over matters that are beyond our understanding can lead to negative consequences. It encourages us to find a healthy middle ground in all areas of life, including our pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 13:25
“The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.”
This verse highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked in their satisfaction and provision. The righteous, who walk in obedience to God’s commands, find contentment and satisfaction in their lives. In contrast, those who live in wickedness experience lack and discontentment. It serves as a reminder that true fulfillment comes from seeking and obeying God rather than indulging in excessive consumption.
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.”
In this verse, physical training is acknowledged as having some benefit. However, it is also contrasted with the greater value of cultivating godliness. While taking care of our physical bodies is important, it should not overshadow our pursuit of spiritual growth and transformation. It reminds us to prioritize our spiritual well-being above our physical appearance or performance.
Proverbs 23:3
“Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive.”
This verse warns against the danger of being enticed by the pleasures and temptations of indulgent or deceptive food. It reminds us to be discerning in our choices and to not allow our cravings to lead us astray. It encourages us to prioritize what is truly beneficial for our overall well-being rather than being swayed by temporary indulgences.
Romans 8:13
“For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”
This verse speaks to the importance of living according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than being driven by our physical desires. It encourages us to put to death the misdeeds or unhealthy habits of the body through the power of the Spirit. It reminds us that our physical bodies should be submitted to God and controlled by His Spirit.
Proverbs 15:17
“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of love and healthy relationships over material abundance. It highlights the significance of a peaceful and loving environment, even if it means a simple meal of herbs, rather than indulging in luxurious feasts accompanied by animosity. It encourages us to prioritize cultivating love and harmony in our lives over excessive consumption.
Isaiah 55:2
“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.”
This verse challenges us to consider the true worth and value of our pursuits. It warns against investing time, effort, and resources into things that do not truly satisfy or fulfill us. It invites us to listen to God’s wisdom and guidance, encouraging us to partake in what is truly good and satisfying, both physically and spiritually.
Luke 12:15
“Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'”
While not specifically addressing food or eating, this verse serves as a reminder not to place an excessive emphasis on physical possessions or indulgences. It encourages us to guard against the greed that can drive us to constantly seek more and to lose sight of what truly matters in life. It reminds us that true fulfillment comes from our relationship with God, not from material abundance.
Proverbs 23:6-8
“Do not eat the food of a begrudging host, do not crave his delicacies; for he is the kind of person who is always thinking about the cost. ‘Eat and drink,’ he says to you, but his heart is not with you. You will vomit up the little you have eaten and will have wasted your compliments.”
This proverb warns against consuming the food of a begrudging or insincere host. It cautions against being lured in by the appearance of generosity while the true intentions of the host are selfish and calculating. It encourages us to be discerning and to avoid engaging in relationships or activities that lack authenticity and sincerity.
Matthew 4:4
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’'”
This verse reminds us that our true nourishment and sustenance come not just from physical food but from the Word of God. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our spiritual nourishment and the intake of God’s truth. It encourages us to find our ultimate fulfillment and satisfaction in our relationship with God rather than in the fleeting pleasures of the world.
Proverbs 27:7
“A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, but to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.”
This proverb highlights the contrast between a satisfied soul and a hungry soul in their perception of things. It suggests that when our souls are satisfied and content, even desirable things may lose their appeal. Conversely, when we are hungry or lacking, we may find ourselves desiring and finding temporary satisfaction in things that may ultimately be bitter or harmful. It encourages us to seek true satisfaction and contentment in God rather than chasing after fleeting pleasures.
Ecclesiastes 7:18
“It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.”
In this verse, we are reminded of the importance of balance and avoiding extremes. It suggests that it is good to find a middle ground and not to go to either extreme. It encourages us to hold onto what is good and pleasing to God while exercising wise discernment and moderation in our choices and actions.
Proverbs 23:21
“For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”
This verse warns against the consequences of indulging in excessive eating and drinking. It highlights the potential for these habits to lead to financial poverty and a lack of vitality. It serves as a reminder to exercise self-control and to prioritize moderation in all areas of our lives, including our consumption of food and drink.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say… ‘but not everything is beneficial.’ ‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say… ‘but I will not be mastered by anything.’”
This verse addresses the issue of exercising our freedom wisely. While we may have the right to do certain things, not everything is beneficial or leads to our overall well-being. It reminds us to exercise self-control and not allow ourselves to be mastered by anything, including our desires for excessive consumption. It encourages us to consider the greater impact of our choices and to prioritize what brings true benefit and health.
These Bible verses provide guidance on the topic of physical health and our relationship with food. They remind us of the importance of self-discipline, moderation, and the pursuit of God’s will in our choices regarding food and drink. They emphasize that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we should honor God by taking care of them. The verses highlight the dangers of excessive consumption, gluttony, and overindulgence while encouraging us to seek balance and nourishment that promotes our overall well-being. They remind us to prioritize our spiritual growth and the pursuit of godliness over worldly desires. Ultimately, these verses invite us to reflect on our attitudes and behaviors related to food and to align them with the principles of God’s Word for our overall health and spiritual growth.