Moderation is a key principle found throughout the Bible, whether it’s in relation to food, drink, or other areas of life. The Bible encourages self-control and warns against excess, teaching that a balanced life leads to peace and wisdom. Let’s see how Scripture guides us in living a life of moderation in a world of extremes.
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What Does The Bible Say About Moderation
Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.”
This verse teaches us about the importance of moderation in our actions and desires. Just as consuming too much honey can lead to negative consequences, indulging in excess in any aspect of our lives can have harmful effects. It encourages us to find a balance, avoiding extremes that can lead to negative outcomes.
1 Corinthians 9:25
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
This verse reminds us that even in our pursuit of success and achievement, we should exercise moderation. While athletes endure strict training to obtain temporary rewards, we are called to focus on obtaining eternal rewards. Moderation helps us maintain a healthy perspective, placing our ultimate value on the things of God rather than the transient things of this world.
1 Corinthians 10:23
““I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.”
Although we may have the freedom to do anything, this verse emphasizes the importance of discernment and wisdom in our choices. Not everything we have the right to do is beneficial or constructive. Practicing moderation helps us evaluate our actions and ensure that they align with God’s will and contribute to our spiritual growth and the well-being of others.
Philippians 4:5
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
This verse reminds us to exhibit moderation in our interactions with others. By being gentle and patient, we can maintain harmony and peace in our relationships. The knowledge of God’s presence encourages us to respond to others with grace and humility, avoiding extremes such as anger or harshness.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
This passage highlights self-control as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. By exercising moderation and self-restraint, we can cultivate a Christlike character that displays love, joy, peace, kindness, and gentleness. The absence of any law against these attributes demonstrates that moderation is not a restriction but a pathway to a life empowered by the Spirit of God.
Ecclesiastes 7:16
“Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise—why destroy yourself?”
This verse cautions against an excessive pursuit of righteousness or wisdom that leads to self-destruction. It reminds us that moderation should be practiced even in our spiritual pursuits, guarding against pride, legalism, and a judgmental attitude. Striving for balance, humility, and a reliance on God’s grace will lead to a healthier and more sustainable spiritual journey.
Proverbs 15:17
“Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred.”
This verse emphasizes the value of simple and modest pleasures combined with love, rather than indulging in abundant luxuries at the expense of a loving and kind attitude. It teaches us to appreciate the simple joys in life and prioritize healthy relationships over material excess. Moderation allows us to savor and find contentment in the blessings that truly matter.
Matthew 5:37
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
This verse warns against the danger of exaggeration, manipulation, and dishonesty in our speech. It encourages us to practice moderation by speaking truthfully and with integrity. By avoiding extreme claims or unnecessary embellishments, our words become trustworthy and reflect the character of Christ.
Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
This verse affirms the value of self-control and patience over impulsive actions or displays of aggression. It reminds us that exercising moderation and restraint can bring about greater victories and contribute to a peaceful and harmonious existence. The ability to control our emotions and actions leads to wise decision-making and positive outcomes.
Titus 2:11-12
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”
This passage highlights the transformative power of God’s grace, which enables us to live a life of moderation. It urges us to reject ungodly desires and worldly temptations, instead embracing self-control and godliness. By surrendering to God’s grace, we can resist the pull of excess and pursue a life that honors and pleases Him.
1 Peter 4:7
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
This verse calls us to approach life with a clear and sober mind, avoiding excesses that distract us from our purpose and hinder our relationship with God. It reminds us to be watchful and alert, resisting the allure of indulgence and living in a manner that aligns with God’s will. Moderation opens our hearts and minds to commune with God in prayer.
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 the dangers of excess in eating and drinking. It highlights the negative consequences of indulging in intoxication and gluttony, which can lead to insobriety, poor physical health, and wastefulness. Practicing moderation in our consumption helps us maintain self-discipline, good stewardship, and a balanced lifestyle.
1 Timothy 4:7-8
“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 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 passage encourages us to prioritize spiritual discipline and growth over mere physical pursuits. While physical training has some value, the pursuit of godliness surpasses it in significance and eternal impact. Moderation allows us to allocate our time and energy in a balanced way, focusing on the spiritual disciplines that cultivate a deeper relationship with God.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
This verse promotes moderation in our communication by urging us to be measured in our speech and emotions. It reminds us to prioritize listening over speaking and to exercise restraint before reacting in anger. Practicing moderation in our communication fosters understanding, empathy, and healthy relationships.
Proverbs 21:20
“In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.”
This verse underscores the value of moderation in our handling of resources and possessions. Wise individuals exercise self-control and accumulate provisions whereas the foolish squander what they have excessively. Learning to manage our resources with moderation ensures sustainability, security, and the ability to bless others.
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
This verse advises married couples to exercise moderation even within their intimate relationship. It encourages open communication and mutual agreement regarding periods of abstinence, promoting devotion to prayer while ensuring that a lack of self-control does not make room for temptation. A balanced approach to physical intimacy strengthens the spiritual bond between spouses.
Proverbs 13:25
“The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.”
This verse highlights the importance of moderation in the context of God’s provision. It emphasizes that the righteous can enjoy the blessings of God abundantly and contentedly, while the wicked, out of their dissatisfaction and greed, remain unsatisfied. Cultivating a heart of gratitude and moderation allows us to appreciate and enjoy God’s provision while fostering contentment and trust in His faithfulness.
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.””
This verse serves as a reminder that material possessions and wealth do not define our worth or our purpose in life. It warns against the dangers of greed and the pursuit of excess, stressing the need for moderation and contentment. True fulfillment is found in our relationship with God and the pursuit of His kingdom, rather than in the accumulation of worldly possessions.
Romans 12:3
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
This verse encourages humility and moderation in our self-assessment. It discourages arrogance or an inflated sense of self-importance, urging us to evaluate ourselves honestly and accurately. Practicing moderation in our perception of ourselves leads to an appreciation of our strengths and weaknesses, fostering unity and a healthy reliance on God’s grace.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”
This verse urges us to guard against the love of money and material possessions, reminding us of God’s promise to never forsake us. By embracing the contentment that comes from a moderate and grateful attitude, we can find peace and security in God’s faithful provision, rather than in the pursuit of wealth or worldly gain.
Matthew 6:25-26
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
This passage teaches us the importance of moderation in our worries and anxieties. It emphasizes that God, who cares for and provides for all of creation, will also care for us. By trusting in His provision and releasing unnecessary concerns, we can live a life of moderation, placing our ultimate value and security in God’s hands.
1 Timothy 6:6-7
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”
This verse highlights the connection between godliness and contentment, affirming that true gain lies in a moderate and satisfied heart. It reminds us of the fleeting nature of material possessions, urging us to prioritize a life of godliness and gratitude instead. Embracing moderation helps us find lasting fulfillment and invest in things of eternal significance.
Proverbs 30:8-9
“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”
This passage exemplifies the prayer for moderation in both material wealth and poverty. The author acknowledges the dangers that come with extremes, whether they lead to self-sufficiency and forgetfulness of God or desperation that leads to dishonorable actions. Seeking moderation in our provision and relying on God’s daily provision guards against both worldly pride and dishonoring God’s name.