What Does the Bible Say about Eating Sugar?

When researching sugar addiction for an article, I discovered that many Christians are asking, ”What does the Bible say about eating sugar?”

When you think about sugar, usually a picture of table sugar comes to mind. However, sugar in this form did not even exist in Biblical days, so the Bible doesn’t say anything about it directly.

However, we can still exercise Biblical wisdom based on how eating sugar affects us mentally and physically.

In this article, we will cover the following:

what does the bible say about eating sugar

God-Made vs Man-Made Sugar

God created plant-based foods as stated in Genesis 1:29:

And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.''

Most edible plants, such as corn, beets, and sugar cane, have natural sugar contained within them.

But the Lord locked the sugar in a fiber matrix within the plant. So when we eat the plant, we receive the goodness of fiber to help keep our digestive systems running smoothly, plus the sugar is released slowly so the body can process it efficiently.

However, man took the corn, beets, and sugar cane that God made and removed the fiber, processing the resulting juice into sugar, which is the fine, white powder we know today.

Man-made sugar is processed much more quickly in the body. It can cause blood sugar highs and crashes, plus can have addictive properties, similar to other white powders such as cocaine and heroin.

GodMadevsManMade

Biblical Scriptures about Honey

The closest scriptures the Bible mentions concerning sugar are about honey.

Honey has about the same sweetness level as processed sugar. However, honey has other benefits such as trace levels of nutrients, plus has anti-microbial properties. It has even been used for wound healing!

Still, even as good as raw honey is, the Bible cautions against eating too much of it.

Here is what the scriptures say about honey:

''My son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; If you have found it, there is a prospect, And your hope will not be cut off.''

- Proverbs 24:13-14

Now before you think, ''Yippee! I can eat as much raw honey as I want,''' read on for the complete picture. Proverbs goes on to say:

Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.''

- Proverbs 25:16

Vomiting is not a pretty picture is it? While the Bible says that eating honey is good, it cautions against overindulgence.

So God's word says that eating too much honey (sweets) will make you physically sick. The conclusion is below:

It is not good to eat much honey; So to seek one’s own glory is not glory.''

- Proverbs 25:27

This scripture compares the indulgence of eating too much honey to the self-absorption of pride. Neither one is attractive!

Biblical Wisdom about Sugar

It is good to practice the following Biblical wisdom when it comes to sugar:

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”

– 1 Corinthians 6:12

Our lives are too important than to waste time on food drama. If sugar is a weakness for you, then it is wise to limit it in your life and focus on other foods that you like, but do not hijack your brain.

In this way, you can get on with the purpose that the Lord has for your life without hindrance!

Be Blessed with Health, Healing, and Wholeness,

Kimberly Taylor

Author of the Take Back Your Temple program

P.S. Do you struggle with overeating sugar? If so, you are not alone!

Overcoming sugar addiction was a key factor on my weight loss journey; I lost 85 pounds and dropped from a size 22 to an 8.

In our 14-day Sugar Detox Challenge online course (inside the Take Back Your Temple program), you’ll get the same success strategies and support to gain peace in your eating habits and achieve lasting weight loss.

Click here to learn more about the Take Back Your Temple program.

“Prayer for Weight Loss”

About the author 

Kimberly Taylor

Kimberly Taylor is a certified Christian life coach and has a heart to help others struggling with emotional eating and weight loss. Once 240 pounds and a size 22, she can testify of God’s goodness and healing power to overcome. She lost 85 pounds as a result of implementing techniques to overcome emotional eating and binge eating disorder.

Kim is the author of "The Take Back Your Temple Program," which teaches Christians how to take control of their weight God's way and the books "The Weight Loss Scriptures" and "The Weight Loss Prayers."

Kim has been featured in Prevention Magazine, Charisma Magazine and on CBN’s 'The 700 Club' television program.

  • I know that you ARE DOING God’s WORK and I am certain that he IS proud of you. I came across your article because I couldn’t remember what the Bible said about cane.
    I am fighting and wining at taking back my temple, but I needed some reinforcements. I am 44 and was never addicted to coffee or sugar, nor did I even like it much; until eight years ago. My sugar and coffee intake has been off the charts for the past 3 years now and I can feel the damaging effects profoundly!!
    No, my nerve damage/sciatica is not due to my sugar intake, but I KNOW it is preventing my healing. I can all of it’s damaging affects.
    How you articulated the harms of sugar and your utilization of scriptures is exactly what God ordered for me today. Thank you sister. Continue is your prosperity, efforts and forward progress; and I will check out your book soon.
    Shalom

    • Thank you, Yahayra – I receive your prayers and pray God’s wisdom and strength be with you on your healing journey. He has begun a good work in you and will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ!

  • It’s unethical that sugar is in everything thing we eat and that’s now how our creator intended for us to consume sugar. Now instead of us having sugar in small doses we are being manipulated into eating sugar even when sugar isn’t necessary like why add sugar to fruit juices when they are already sweet??

    • I agree! Since we can’t count on the food manufacturers to do the right thing, we need to educate ourselves and take steps to protect our health and that of our loved ones.

  • What a blessing this article has been! Thank you for sharing GOD’s Word concerning sugar. I am sharing with loved ones. We live in a sugar crazed world unfortunately!

    • Yes, Carol – it is just crazy how the food manufacturers put sugar in just about everything. Since we can’t rely on them to do what is right, we need to be wise and take steps to protect our health and that of our loved ones with whom we have influence. May the Lord bless you on your quest to help your loved ones prosper and be in health as their souls prosper!

  • Thank you for this article. I have always wondered what God’s Word said about sugar. It is the reason that I am 100 pounds overweight. I need to be set free from sweets. Thank you for these very helpful Bible verses.

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