A couple of Wednesdays ago Bro. Danny taught a lesson called Praise the Lord and Pass the Biscuits, from the text of Matt. 11:19.  The point of the lesson was, "What is biblical gluttony?"  We learned that, biblically, gluttony is basically anything excessive in our lives, which includes greed.  Danny pointed out that the word "glutton” appears only twice in the Bible, both in the Old Testament and the word “gluttonous” also only twice, both in the New Testament.  In fact the Hebrew word rendered as “glutton” appears a total of seven times in the Old Testament and is used in three other forms (riotous, vile and eaters) that glutton.  In addition, we learned that the instances in which all of these words were used relate back to excessive and riotous living, not actually having anything to do with "eating".

Danny also made mention that the most common association we have with gluttony is from The Seven Deadly Sins.  This list comes from the Catholic Church. The modern concept of the Seven Deadly Sins is linked to the works of the 4th century monk Evagrius Ponticus and was refined in 590 AD by Pope Gregory the Great into the list we know today as “Seven Deadly Sins".  Bro. Steve mentioned that at that time the Romans were known for their excess in all things, which may well have been a factor in adding gluttony to the list.

I found the lesson and discussion both interesting and informative.  Danny gave several other verses that went with the message, which I wanted to learn a bit more about.  While doing a little further personal study I ran across another instance in Scripture that, I think, correlates to the topic and further illustrates Danny’s point. This instance is the giving of quail to the Israelites in Numbers 11.  It is also the first example I can find in the Bible.

In verse 32, John Wesley notes “Stood up - Or rather [literally] rose up, which word is often used for beginning to do any business. All that night - Some at one time, and some at the other, and some, through greediness or diffidence, at both times."  It is also interesting to note how Matthew Henry focuses on the aspect of greed in his concise commentary. 

This fits in with Danny's lesson perfectly.  In these verses, the act itself of eating wasn’t the issue.  It is the greed and over indulgence of the Israelites that God is provoked by. 

It is easy to see how the intended meaning of the original writers might be missed if we read without good study habits, something I know I am guilty of at times.  I think this is a great example of how we should follow those in Acts 17:11 and search the Scriptures daily. 

If you haven’t been able to attend the Wednesday night Bible studies I’d encourage you to try and make it out.  I know they have been a blessing to and a great learning experience for me.

Isaiah 34:16a

Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read:

Greg Wolford

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