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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Moderation avoids extremes, exercises restraint, and is related to self-control. Moderation is a good thing, but living a life of moderation is an uphill battle in today's world. Much of Western cu...
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Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
What does the Bible say about moderation?
The Bible promotes moderation—often called self-control, temperance, or gentleness—as a key virtue for avoiding excesses in life. Key verses include Philippians 4:5 ("Let your moderation be known unto all men"), 1 Corinthians 6:12 ("not all things are helpful"), and Proverbs 25:16 (advising moderation in consumption.
Bible Verses on Moderation
Philippians 4:5 (KJV): "Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand". This verse encourages a gentle, balanced lifestyle, knowing Christ is near.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (BSB): "'Everything is permissible for me,' but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible for me,' but I will not be mastered by anything".
Proverbs 25:16 (GotQuestions): "If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it".
1 Corinthians 9:25 (BSB): "Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline".
Titus 2:2 (NKJV): "...older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience".
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): Highlights "self-control" as a fruit of the Spirit.
Balance: The Bible encourages moderation in appetites, speech, and actions to avoid the pitfalls of overindulgence, such as gluttony or drunkenness.
Self-Control: Moderation involves exercising discipline over one's spirit and body.
Biblical Principles of Moderation
Self-Control as a Fruit of the Spirit: True moderation is considered a divine gift. In Galatians 5:22–23, "self-control" (sometimes translated as "temperance") is listed among the fruits of the Holy Spirit's work in a person's life.
The Danger of Overindulgence: Proverbs warns that too much of a good thing can lead to trouble. Proverbs 25:16 advises, "If you find honey, eat just enough—lest you have too much and vomit it".
Avoidance of Mastery by Anything: The Apostle Paul teaches that believers should not be "mastered" or dominated by anything, even if it is technically "lawful" or permitted (1 Corinthians 6:12).
Sober Living: Christians are exhorted to be "sober-minded" and "temperate" in all aspects of life, including speech, appearance, and consumption (1 Peter 5:8, Titus 2:2).
Everything to God's Glory: The ultimate standard for moderation is whether an action honours God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 states, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
If you are "moderate in habits" and "self-controlled," you are balanced in all areas of your life. This includes avoiding extremes in eating, drinking, dress, grooming, and recreation. You are not a slave to the trends of the world. (Luke 21:34; Jas. 4:4)
Christians are admonished to be 'moderate in habits, sound in mind, reverent in behaviour, not slanderers or heavy drinkers, loving in family relationships, chaste, clean in speech and good workers.'
Why do so many people go in for things that dull their feelings? No doubt one reason is a lack of contentment. Wisely, the Bible counsels us to be content and appreciate having the things we really need. (1 Tim. 6:6-8) Also involved is self-control. If one has a weakness for sensual pleasure, it takes willpower to turn the dial and reject a program that promises excitement, as do violent films—guard against being a lover of pleasure rather than a lover of God. God's Word counsels us to be "moderate in habits," and this is not only right but also wise. Failure to control ourselves in the quest for pleasure is bound to be self-defeating, for it dulls our capacity to enjoy what we do.—1 Tim. 3:2, 11; 2 Tim. 3:4, 5.
Guard against dulling your feelings, whether physical, emotional or moral. Be moderate in the enjoyment of the good things of life and steer clear of what is bad, what is violent, what is sensual. Reading God's Word will help you, Psalm 119: 165: "Great peace have they that love thy law; and they have no occasion of stumbling."
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