Völlerei

Excessive eating or drinking that reflects a lack of self-control and misdirected desire. Proverbs 23:20-21 warns, 'Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor.' Philippians 3:19 speaks of those 'whose god is their stomach.' Jesus was falsely accused of being a glutton and drunkard (Matthew 11:19), yet his ministry included meals as occasions for fellowship and teaching. Proverbs 25:16 counsels moderation: 'If you find honey, eat just enough — too much of it, and you will vomit.' Gluttony is ultimately a spiritual issue — substituting physical pleasure for satisfaction in God.