“and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.”

That sounds a bit extreme. There’s nothing wrong or evil about enjoying good food. Who created the delicious spices? Who created the science of fermentation? All the wonderful tastes and smells that come from cooking processes are gifts from our Creator, meant to be enjoyed by His people. This speaks not only to the habit of overindulging but also to the attitude we adopt in the process. “In 2023, about 13.5% of U.S. households experienced food insecurity, meaning they struggled to afford enough food for all members at some point during the year. This translates to approximately 47.4 million people. Approximately 10% of the world’s population, or roughly 733 million people, experience hunger daily.” (AI research) It is imperative that, just as Jesus did—and as God clearly does—we pay attention to this condition in our world and do what we can to help. In this verse, Solomon is speaking directly to our eating behavior in front of people in power over us. However, the idea of one being “given to gluttony” creates a broader message that goes beyond the context of eating with a ruler. It touches on a sin described in scripture. A genuine awareness of a hungry world makes us extremely thankful for our access to plenty, and more likely to avoid overindulgence. Today, reflect on the hungry—and see if He is calling you to help. #BeTheEdge

“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” Psalms‬ ‭82‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬