Does the Bible have much to say about what we eat and drink?

on Sep 30, 2025

Exterior view of the headquarters of US Food and Drug Administration (FDA building and FDA sign). Dreamstime/TCA

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: The FDA has certainly been at the forefront regarding matters of health and obesity in recent months. I’ve been horrified to learn about food and prescription additives and to realize the impact it has made on our youth, particularly. Shining the light on these things is helping the public question what we are putting into our bodies. Does the Bible have much to say about what we eat and drink? – H.C.

A: Church fathers from centuries past called gluttony one of the seven deadly sins, placed alongside pride, envy, and impurity. It is a sin that most of us commit, and we are wrong to sweep it away. Though there are no laws that forbid gluttony, it is strongly denounced in the Bible. “Their god is their stomach … . Their mind is set on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19, NIV ).

The standard of living in America is higher than in any other nation on Earth. Most Americans live in ease compared to many other nations. We have more leisure time and more food to eat than any people in the history of the world. This leads to a cult of comfort. We are a nation that prides itself on prosperity and plenty, but when abused, these things become enemies. Undisciplined appetites, reckless spending, and too much leisure are among the many things that rob us of living life as God would have us live.

Anything that consumes us, anything that causes us to think of nothing else, is sin. God desires to help us with everything that weighs us down. He wants to be first in our lives and make Him the Master of our lives. He wants us to make wise decisions in everything, including our physical well-being.

A wise king wrote of the futility of “Eat, drink, and be merry” (Ecclesiastes 8:15, NKJV), for it makes no room for God if this is what drives us and motivates us. “But seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV).

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)