The phrase “eat, drink and be merry” is commonly associated with pursuing worldly pleasures without regard for spiritual matters. At first glance, it seems antithetical to Christian values of self-denial and living for God’s glory. However, a closer examination of Scripture reveals a more nuanced perspective on feasting and merriment.
Old Testament Background
In the Old Testament, feasting and celebration are viewed as blessings from God and are often associated with times of abundance, festivals, and God’s provision. For example:
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. (Ecclesiastes 9:7 ESV)
Here, the Teacher encourages enjoyment of food and drink as gifts from God. Elsewhere, feasting accompanies celebrations like weddings (Genesis 29:22), birthdays (Mark 6:21), and national holidays (Esther 8:17). These feasts involve eating, drinking, music, dancing, and merriment.
However, gluttony and drunkenness to excess are condemned. Moderation and self-control are emphasized:
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. (Proverbs 20:1 ESV)
The prophets also warn against feasting while ignoring injustice or disobeying God (Amos 6:4-7, Isaiah 5:11-12). But feasting itself is not inherently wrong.
Jesus and Feasting
In the Gospels, Jesus regularly participates in feasts and defends his disciples for feasting rather than fasting on certain occasions (Matthew 9:14-15). He uses feasts as illustrations in parables, comparing the kingdom of God to a wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14) and a great banquet (Luke 14:15-24). His first miracle even occurs at a wedding feast in Cana (John 2:1-11).
However, Jesus cautions against overindulgence, warning against “dissipation and drunkenness” (Luke 21:34). As in the Old Testament, moderation is key. Feasting should not become an idol that distracts from devotion to God.
Feasting in the Early Church
In the Book of Acts, the early Christians continue to meet in homes for “the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42, 46). The Lord’s Supper has connections to a full meal, and many early church meetings involved shared meals called “agape feasts” (Jude 1:12).
In his letters, Paul gives instructions for orderly worship gatherings that include the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). He recognizes eating and drinking as gifts from God, but warns against selfishness, drunkenness, and greed:
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17 ESV)
Principles for Modern Christians
While the New Testament does not specifically quote “eat, drink and be merry,” some principles can be drawn for Christians today:
- Enjoy God’s gifts in moderation – Food, drink, and celebrations can be appreciated as blessings from God. However, beware of excess.
- Keep priorities straight – Be vigilant that feasting does not distract from devotion and obedience to God.
- Pursue true satisfaction – While feasting temporarily satisfies physical hunger and brings joy, pursue righteousness, peace, and lasting joy found only in Christ.
- Exercise self-control – Participate in feasting temperately and keep desires for food/drink under the control of God’s Spirit.
- Avoid selfishness and indulgence – Be mindful of others’ needs and watch that feasting does not become indulgent. Maintain a spirit of generosity.
Cautions for the “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry” Mindset
The phrase “eat, drink, and be merry” becomes problematic when it:
- Encourages gluttony and drunkenness – Unrestrained overindulgence in food and drink is strongly warned against in Scripture.
- Values worldly pleasures over spiritual health – Treasuring physical “feel-good” experiences over an eternal perspective is foolishness.
- Justifies self-centeredness – A “looking out for number one” mentality is unhealthy when it ignores others’ needs and fosters disregard for God’s priorities.
- Separates celebration from God – Feasting has its proper place when enjoyed in moderation with gratitude to the Creator. But serving created things over the Creator is idolatry.
- Becomes an excuse for irresponsibility – Escapism through constant feasting can lead people to neglect important duties.
- Masks meaninglessness – Using food, drink, and entertainment to ignore bigger spiritual questions is unwise.
The Teacher in Ecclesiastes warns that even great feasting and pleasure-seeking cannot satisfy our deepest longings apart from God:
I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. (Ecclesiastes 2:1 ESV)
Conclusions
In summary, the phrase “eat, drink, and be merry” expresses only part of the biblical perspective on feasting. Occasional feasting can be appreciated in moderation as a gift from God, but should not be indulged in selfishly or irresponsibly. Pursuing pleasure apart from God leaves people unsatisfied. Scripture calls instead for temperance, self-control, generosity, and keeping worldly things in their proper place while pursuing our satisfaction in Christ alone.
