The bible contains nutritional prescriptions and advice on all sectors of life including the health sector. Food and fitness, what three things can anyone do for the benefit of his or her body and soul? Scriptures teach about health and wellness. Here are 33 verses about dieting and exercising as an individual who desires to take care of his/her health as per the scriptures. So, let us consider these verses and find out how they may be helpful in our strive for the better health.
What the Bible Says About Diet and Exercise: A Holistic Approach to Health
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet and exercise is a widely accepted principle today, but did you know that the Bible also offers guidance on these topics? The scriptures provide wisdom that can help us live healthier, more balanced lives. This article delves into what the Bible says about diet and exercise, highlighting relevant verses and their implications for modern believers.
1. Biblical Guidance on Diet
Genesis 1:29
“And God said, ‘Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.'”
From the very beginning, God provided humans with a diet based on plants, fruits, and seeds. This verse suggests that a plant-based diet was initially intended for humankind.
Leviticus 11:1-47
The book of Leviticus outlines detailed dietary laws for the Israelites, specifying which animals are clean and unclean for consumption. While these laws were specific to the Israelites, they reflect God’s concern for the health and well-being of His people.
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.”
This verse warns against gluttony and excessive drinking, advocating for moderation in eating and drinking habits.
2. Biblical Guidance on Exercise
1 Timothy 4:8
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
This verse acknowledges the importance of physical exercise but emphasizes that spiritual training holds greater value. It suggests a balanced approach to both physical and spiritual well-being.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
Paul uses the metaphor of an athlete to illustrate the importance of discipline and self-control in both physical and spiritual pursuits. This passage encourages believers to take care of their bodies and exercise self-discipline.
Proverbs 31:17
“She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.”
This verse from Proverbs describes a woman of virtue who takes care of her physical strength, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy body.
3. Trusting God with Our Health
Psalm 23:1-3
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
This beloved psalm reminds us that God is our provider and caretaker. Trusting Him with our health means following His guidance and caring for our bodies in a way that honors Him.
Table of Top Verses about Diet and Exercise:
| Reference | Verse about Diet and Exercise |
|---|---|
| 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 | “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…” |
| 1 Timothy 4:8 | “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things…” |
| Proverbs 3:7-8 | “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil…” |
| 3 John 1:2 | “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you…” |
List of 33 Bible Verses about Diet and Exercise:
1. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Your Body is a Temple
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
2. 1 Timothy 4:8 – Value of Physical Training
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
3. Proverbs 3:7-8 – Health Through Wisdom
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
4. 3 John 1:2 – Prayer for Good Health
Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
5. Proverbs 17:22 – A Cheerful Heart
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
6. Genesis 1:29 – God’s Provision of Food
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.”
7. Proverbs 23:20-21 – Warning Against Gluttony
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
8. Philippians 4:13 – Strength Through Christ
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
9. Isaiah 40:31 – Renewed Strength
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
10. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Do Everything for God’s Glory
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
11. Romans 12:1 – Living Sacrifices
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
12. Matthew 4:4 – Man Shall Not Live on Bread Alone
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
13. Daniel 1:12-15 – Daniel’s Diet
“Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days. At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food.
14. Proverbs 16:24 – Gracious Words
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
15. Ecclesiastes 10:17 – Eating at Proper Times
Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.
16. 1 Kings 19:6-8 – Elijah’s Sustenance
He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.
17. Psalm 34:8 – Taste and See that the Lord is Good
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
18. Proverbs 25:16 – Moderation
If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.
19. Nehemiah 8:10 – The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
20. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Run the Race to Win
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
21. Isaiah 55:2 – Delight in God’s Nourishment
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.
22. Ezekiel 4:9 – Healthy Bread
Take wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and spelt; put them in a storage jar and use them to make bread for yourself. You are to eat it during the 390 days you lie on your side.
23. Deuteronomy 8:3 – Humbling and Testing
He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.
24. Proverbs 25:27 – Avoiding Excess
It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.
25. Luke 12:23 – Life is More Than Food
For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.
26. Psalm 107:9 – Satisfying the Thirsty and Hungry
For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
27. 1 Peter 2:2 – Craving Spiritual Milk
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.
28. Exodus 23:25 – Blessings of Health
Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.
29. Psalm 103:5 – Renewed Like the Eagle’s
Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
30. Matthew 6:16-18 – Fasting
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
31. Psalm 119:103 – Sweetness of God’s Word
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
32. Isaiah 40:29 – Strength for the Weary
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
33. Matthew 11:28-30 – Rest for the Weary
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Conclusion:
The Bible provides profound insights into maintaining a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing both physical and spiritual well-being. Reflecting on these scriptures can guide believers in making choices that honor God with their bodies and promote overall health. Embrace these biblical principles, and let them inspire you to live a life of wellness and vitality.
FAQs
What does the Bible say about exercise and nutrition?
2. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This verse highlights the sanctity of our bodies as the residence of the Holy Spirit, this passage encourages honoring God through healthy eating habits.
What does the Bible say about diet?
“And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb-bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for food.” In the second chapter of Genesis (2:16-17) vegetarianism is re-affirmed as people’s spiritually proper diet.
What Bible verse is related to eating healthy?
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
This verse encourages us to honor God by taking care of our bodies through healthy habits, including eating well.
What does the Bible say about health and fitness?
12. 1 Timothy 4:8. Training your body is of some value, yes, but don’t sacrifice it at the expense of your love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, self-control. May your movement flow from the fruit of the Spirit, which will last forever.
How to eat healthy according to the Bible?
The Bible states that everything has a season. This should also be our attitude when it comes to picking out the things we eat. Lean towards eating fruits, vegetables and herbs that are in season, as they’re fresher and better for your health.
How to honor God with your diet?
If our eating is to honor God, then we must not be self-controlled for weight loss, looking good, or health, but rather for Christ in order to be more effective for Him. Being tired or sick the next day after eating too much or too little would hinder us from serving him.