The Bible has a lot to say about the importance of practicing moderation in various areas of life. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible verses that discuss the concept of moderation:
Moderation in Food and Drink
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5)
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” (Luke 21:34)
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)
These verses encourage moderation when it comes to eating and drinking. We should avoid gluttony and drunkenness, and maintain self-control over the pleasures of food and drink. Moderation demonstrates that we are living with eternity in mind.
Moderation in Work
“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work.” (Exodus 20:9-10)
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
God desires that we find balance in our work lives. We must work and be diligent, yet also set aside time for rest and renewal. The Sabbath command requires moderation in our work schedules.
Moderation in Wealth
“Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.” (Proverbs 16:8)
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” (1 Timothy 6:9)
“Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven.” (Proverbs 23:4-5)
The Bible warns against greed and emphasizes moderate desires when it comes to wealth and possessions. Our happiness should not be tied to our net worth. Generosity and stewardship should mark how we handle our finances.
Moderation in Retaliation
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.” (Matthew 5:38-39)
“Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.”” (Proverbs 24:29)
When someone wrongs us, often our natural impulse is to strike back with equal vengeance. However, Jesus and Proverbs teach us not to overreact, but to respond moderately.
Moderation in Speech
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” (Proverbs 10:19)
The Bible encourages moderation in how we speak. Respectful, uplifting speech demonstrates wisdom and self-control. We should avoid hurtful words and arguments, measuring our speech based on the situation.
Moderation in Emotions
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret–it leads only to evil.” (Psalm 37:8)
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” (Proverbs 29:11)
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” (James 1:19)
Moderating our strongest emotions often proves difficult. However, Scripture promotes responding calmly over reacting rashly. As human passions threaten to control us, we must take care to not “give full vent” to anger, but exercise restraint.
Moderation in Desires
“Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” (Titus 2:2)
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” (1 John 2:15-16)
Moderating all desires proves essential, whether for food, sex, possessions, prominence or thrills. Some passions by nature tend toward excess rather than balance. Scripture cautions us against uncontrolled appetites.
Moderation in Liberty
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” (Galatians 5:13)
“So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.” (Philemon 1:17-18)
The Bible grants much freedom, which requires wisdom in application. With liberty comes temptation toward license and abuse. We must moderate how we exercise rights, not becoming self-serving or cavalier.
Moderation in Judgment
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2)
“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.” (James 2:12-13)
“Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.” (Romans 14:4)
Because we are all imperfect and flawed, Scripture cautions us to temper our criticism and condemnation of others. Measuring with grace rather than attacking others demonstrates moderation in how we evaluate.
Moderation in All Things
“Let your moderation be known unto all men.” (Philippians 4:5 KJV)
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 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. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
The concept of moderation as a virtue runs throughout the Bible. Possessing self-control and balance helps us avoid sin and live wisely. By moderating all desires and actions, we glorify God through righteous living.
In summary, the Bible promotes moderation in a wide range of areas, including food, drink, work, wealth, retaliation, speech, emotions, desires, liberty, judgment, and life in general. Following biblical principles of temperance and self-restraint allows us to honor God in how we live each day.