The Bible has a lot to say about moderation and living a balanced life. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical principles regarding moderation:
Avoiding Extremes
The Bible warns against going to extremes in various areas of life. Ecclesiastes 7:16-18 cautions against being overly righteous or overly wicked. Proverbs 25:16 talks about the importance of moderation in eating honey. And 1 Corinthians 9:25 uses the example of athletic training to illustrate the need for self-control and avoidance of excess. Overall, the Bible promotes living wisely and seeking balance.
Self-Control
Self-control and temperance are lifted up as virtues in the Bible. Titus 2:2-6 encourages older men and women to exercise self-control and train younger men and women to do the same. Proverbs 25:28 warns that a lack of self-control is like a city whose walls are broken down. Self-control is listed as part of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Moderation requires harnessing one’s passions and avoiding lack of restraint.
Avoiding Drunkenness
The Bible clearly warns against drunkenness and overindulgence in alcohol. Ephesians 5:18 says not to get drunk on wine but be filled with the Spirit. Isaiah 28:7 rebukes those who stagger from too much wine and strong drink. While the Bible does not forbid alcohol altogether, it clearly cautions against excess and intoxication. Moderation is key.
Guarding Your Heart
The Bible encourages moderation by emphasizing the importance of guarding one’s heart. Proverbs 4:23 states that everything flows from the heart, so it is essential to guard it diligently. Moderation requires careful introspection and not allowing anything to gain control over your heart and mind. Living moderately begins with a guarded heart.
Moderation in Speech
Moderation applies to our words and speech. Ecclesiastes 5:2 advises being slow to speak and not rash with one’s words. James 1:19 encourages being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. Proverbs 17:27 talks about the importance of restraint in speech. Measured, careful speech is an important element of living a moderate life.
Avoiding Love of Money
The Bible warns against loving money and material possessions. Hebrews 13:5 instructs being content with what you have. 1 Timothy 6:10 famously states that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Jesus himself cautioned against storing up treasures on earth in Matthew 6:19. Moderation requires keeping worldly possessions in their proper place and not becoming consumed by avarice.
Living Simply
In a number of places, the Bible encourages living simply and avoiding unnecessary complexity and possessions. For example, Matthew 6:25-34 tells us not to worry about material needs. Luke 12:15 warns against all kinds of greed and says life does not consist of material abundance. Simplicity and contentment are important biblical virtues that contribute to moderation.
Finding Balance in Work
Work is good, but the Bible warns against making it the be all, end all of life. Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 points out that all human toil is meaningless. In the gospels, Jesus frequently withdraws from work to spend time in prayer, rest, and solitude. The Sabbath principle encourages taking a weekly day of rest from work. Finding balance in work is an important application of biblical moderation.
Moderation in Food
While feasting and celebration are appropriate at times, the Bible does not promote gluttony or wastefulness when it comes to food. John 6:12 records Jesus instructing his disciples to collect leftover food after feeding the 5,000 so that nothing is wasted. Proverbs 23:20-21 warns against overindulgence, drunkenness and gluttony. Moderation in eating habits is promoted.
Avoiding Hypocrisy and Self-Righteousness
Jesus strongly critiqued the Pharisees for appearing righteous on the outside but being full of hypocrisy and greed on the inside. He warned against looking at the speck in your brother’s eye while ignoring the log in your own eye in Matthew 7:1-5. Practicing biblical moderation requires humility, restraint, and avoiding hypocrisy.
Pursuing Wisdom and Discernment
Moderation ultimately requires wisdom and discernment that only comes from God. Proverbs 2:6-11 emphasizes seeking God’s wisdom, knowledge and discretion. James 1:5 promises that God will give wisdom to any who ask. With prayer and God’s Spirit, Christians can cultivate discernment and wise moderation.
Relying on the Holy Spirit
Lastly, living a balanced moderate life is only possible with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16-18 talks about walking by the Spirit and not gratifying fleshly desires. The fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 reflects moderation and self-control empowered by the Spirit. Christians rely on the Spirit to navigate life’s gray areas.
In summary, the Bible provides abundant principles and encouragement to pursue moderation in all aspects of life. Avoiding extremes, mastering self-control, guarding your heart, practicing simplicity, finding balance in work and play, and cultivating humble wisdom are some of the key ways Scripture guides us toward moderate living. Above all, relying on the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit is what enables Christians to walk the moderate path.