We can have appetites for many things this fallen world has to offer, can’t we? Therefore, we must be diligent with self-control, as well as teach our children about the foolish path strewn with the temptation and gluttony of food, alcohol, drugs, social media, foul TV/movies, as well as the destructive work of lust that can rob and destroy lives. Every human being has an inclination to follow temptation. These things cannot satisfy a soul that was created to hunger for Christ alone; Jesus is the only Antidote for the world’s poison. Thinking our lives will not be changed by what we consume is the epitome of foolishness.
Gluttony is a topic we don’t cover often, but we should certainly do so. Gluttony is a silent killer that is greatly underestimated; it is a lack of control over one’s consumption. For example, we may not see the overindulgence or poor choice of foods we consume as a sin; however, we may point the finger of shame at the sinful consumption by others of alcohol, drugs, as well as illicit sex. Our bodies are the temple of God; his Spirit lives in us (1 Cor 3:16). So, whatever we choose to indulge in definitely matters to the Lord. Gluttony and lust have tentacles that reach into many areas of human life and relationships, so people need to learn divine Wisdom on how to take authority over them in the Spirit of self-control.
Lust is another topic we rarely cover, but is so very dangerous to our relationship with God and our loved ones. Lust is a sinful desire for something that God has forbidden. Many times we associate lust with sexual behavior, but it is also connected to intoxication, thievery, hoarding, revenge, etc.; the root of lust is emptiness. Lust is a predator and human beings are its prey. Just because a person does not act upon a lustful desire, does not mean sin is absent. Jesus said to even “look” with lust is committing unfaithfulness in the heart (Mat 5:28). God is not unaware of the lustful fantasy of the mind and Jesus teaches the eye is the window to the soul. Pornography is a killer; it destroys trust and intimacy. People may think it is harmless, but they are terribly deceived. Pornography is a battle that is fought in the mind, the root is selfishness, and destroyed lives are the result. There is never a way to satisfy the root of lust.
In our passage from Proverbs 23, today, Solomon continues to teach his son about the areas of life that desperately need Christ’s Wisdom and the fruit of self-control. Solomon has spent a lot of energy and words through his wisdom writings teaching his son about immoral sexuality; he writes about the prostitute or immoral woman—a metaphor for sexual sin and lust.
Wisdom is a Person—Jesus—who calls us to follow him as committed disciples. Folly is a person—Satan—who seeks to trap and kill the unsuspecting. Remember, the pure in heart—those set apart for the glory of the Lord— are the ones who shall see God (Mat 5:8). Gluttony and lust are trespassing thieves seeking to rob the believer and we need to send them straight back to hell.
Proverbs 23 NLT
1
While dining with a ruler,
pay attention to what is put before you.
2
If you are a big eater,
put a knife to your throat;
3
don’t desire all the delicacies,
for he might be trying to trick you.
4
Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.
Be wise enough to know when to quit.
5
In the blink of an eye wealth disappears,
for it will sprout wings
and fly away like an eagle.
6
Don’t eat with people who are stingy;
don’t desire their delicacies.
7
They are always thinking about how much it costs.
“Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.
8
You will throw up what little you’ve eaten,
and your compliments will be wasted.
9
Don’t waste your breath on fools,
for they will despise the wisest advice.
10
Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers;
don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.
11
For their Redeemer is strong;
he himself will bring their charges against you.
12
Commit yourself to instruction;
listen carefully to words of knowledge.
13
Don’t fail to discipline your children.
The rod of punishment won’t kill them.
14
Physical discipline
may well save them from death.
15
My child, if your heart is wise,
my own heart will rejoice!
16
Everything in me will celebrate
when you speak what is right.
17
Don’t envy sinners,
but always continue to fear the Lord.
18
You will be rewarded for this;
your hope will not be disappointed.
19
My child, listen and be wise:
Keep your heart on the right course.
20
Do not carouse with drunkards
or feast with gluttons,
21
for they are on their way to poverty,
and too much sleep clothes them in rags.
22
Listen to your father, who gave you life,
and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
23
Get the truth and never sell it;
also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
24
The father of godly children has cause for joy.
What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
25
So give your father and mother joy!
May she who gave you birth be happy.
26
O my son, give me your heart.
May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
27
A prostitute is a dangerous trap;
a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
28
She hides and waits like a robber,
eager to make more men unfaithful.
29
Who has anguish? Who has sorrow?
Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining?
Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30
It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns,
trying out new drinks.
31
Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is,
how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
32
For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake;
it stings like a viper.
33
You will see hallucinations,
and you will say crazy things.
34
You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea,
clinging to a swaying mast.
35
And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it.
I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.
When will I wake up
so I can look for another drink?”
Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping us really think and focus today on the sinful roots of gluttony and lust. We need to be aware and on guard, because we know how you feel about these things. The enemy tries all the time to use fear as a way to alienate us from your presence, but gluttony and lust operating in our lives does the same thing. It’s all sin and we need your help to overcome everything sent to destroy us. We pray for your goodness and courage to fill us, today. We pray for you to give us a desire for righteousness that far exceeds any desire for that which is forbidden by you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.