Gluttony isn't a common expression in the Bible.  In fact one of King Solomon's Proverbs uses it, but the situation isn't one likely to come up in our everyday lives these days:  ¹When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you,   ²and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.     ³Do not crave his delicacies, for that food is deceptive. Proverbs 23:1-3 NIV  I've never dined with a ruler, have you? 

The point of King Solomon's Proverb may apply to us even if we've never dined with a ruler and aren't likely to do so in the future.  Here's an application for us:  When someone is in a position of authority over us, we need to be careful about how we indulge ourselves with that person's resources, whether they be food or other material goods.  What do I mean?  Simply this:  Sometimes folks who have wealth and/or power seek to use them to influence us for their benefit.  The best way to overcome that kind of influence is by making certain that our own priorities are aligned with God's.  While it's fine to accept the dinner invitation of a wealthy or influential person, our goal in doing so must not be to take advantage of the situation or indulge ourselves.  As Solomon points out if we are given to gluttony--to indulging ourselves to excess- we may find that the "free" meal "costs" us far more than we could have imagined. 

A scene I'll never forget from It's a Wonderful Life is the one where George Bailey has been invited to Mr. Potter's office, so Mr. Potter can offer him a job.  Mr. Potter gives George a fine cigar, tells him that George has defeated him, and that he is ready to give George a job that pays more than George could ever have imagined.  George asks for some time to think about it, and as he's ready to leave he shakes Mr. Potter's hand.  As he does so, George looks down at his hand as if it's dirty.  He suddenly realizes what's happening (Mr. Potter is trying to buy him off)  and tells Mr. Potter he doesn't need to think about it.  He's not taking the job.  George nearly succumbed to gluttony--to indulging in Mr. Potter's wealth at the cost of his integrity.

As we go about the day, let's make sure we don't let gluttony sneak up on us through an invitation to dine with a ruler!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thanks so much for filling us with the Holy Spirit so we may discern what is a blessing and what is a temptation in our lives.  Glorify Yourself in our lives today, by guiding us to the right decision--and action in every situation.  This we pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.