5850 excess

A surplus of material or wealth, especially food or drink. Scripture criticises excessive consumption and extravagance, which are seen as exploiting the less fortunate and leading to a lack of concern for God.

Examples of excessive eating and drinking

The Israelites in idolatry Ex 32:2-6

The Israelites’greed, after God’s miraculous provision Nu 11:32

The Israelites in luxury Am 6:4-6

Other examples of excess See also 1Sa 25:36 Nabal; 1Sa 30:16 the Amalekites in victory; Isa 56:12 Israel’s wicked watchmen; Da 5:1-4 King Belshazzar in pride; Php 3:19 the enemies of the cross of Christ; Rev 18:3 the godless nations

Mentions of excess in Jesus Christ’s parables

As a warning to the rich Lk 12:18-21

As a warning against ingratitude and spiritual indifference See also Lk 15:13; Lk 16:19-31

Excessive eating and drinking is never encouraged

Church leaders are not to overindulge 1Ti 3:2-3,8 See also Tit 1:7

It causes sickness Pr 25:16 See also Pr 25:27

It brings poverty Pr 23:20-21 See also Pr 21:17

It brings disgrace Pr 28:7

It is associated with laziness Tit 1:12

It shows a disregard for God Isa 5:11-12 See also Hos 4:10-11; Php 3:19

It leads the unwise man astray Pr 20:1

Commands for believers to abstain from such excesses

Gal 5:19-21; Eph 5:18 See also 1Co 6:10-13; 1Pe 4:3; 2Pe 2:13

The charging of excessive interest on loans is forbidden

Eze 18:8,13,17; Eze 22:12

See also