30 Bible Verses about Diet and Exercise

The Bible is not a diet book or a fitness manual, but it does have a lot to say about our health and well-being. God created us in His image and gave us the responsibility to take care of our bodies, which are His temples (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

He also gave us the resources and the wisdom to nourish and strengthen our bodies through diet and exercise.

Diet and exercise are not only important for our physical health, but also for our spiritual health. They affect our mood, our energy, our focus, and our relationship with God and others. They can also be a way of worshiping God and honoring Him with our choices.

In this article, we will look at 30 Bible verses about diet and exercise that will help us understand God's perspective on these topics. We will also learn some practical tips and applications that we can apply to our daily lives.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – Glorifying God in All We Do

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV)

This verse reminds us that our eating and drinking habits, as well as our daily activities, should honor God. It encourages us to make choices that reflect our commitment to living a life that glorifies Him.

1 Timothy 4:8 – The Value of Physical Exercise

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. (1 Timothy 4:8 NIV)

While this verse acknowledges the benefits of physical exercise, it also highlights its limitations and underscores the superior value of spiritual fitness.

Genesis 9:3 – God's Provision for Our Diet

Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything. (Genesis 9:3 NIV)

This verse reveals God's provision for our diet. It suggests that a balanced diet, which includes a variety of foods, is part of God's plan for human health.

Romans 14:1-23 – Acceptance and Understanding in Dietary Habits

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. (Romans 14:1-4 NIV)

This verse teaches us not to judge or despise others based on what they eat or don't eat. Instead, we should respect each other's convictions and remember that we all belong to the Lord.

Daniel 1:12 – The Daniel Diet

Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. (Daniel 1:12 NIV)

Daniel 1:12 introduces us to the "Daniel Diet," where Daniel chose to eat vegetables and drink water instead of the king's rich food. This decision not only kept Daniel healthy, but it also demonstrated his commitment to God. The "Daniel Diet" serves as a reminder that our dietary choices can reflect our spiritual values.

Proverbs 25:27 – Moderation in Everything

It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep. (Proverbs 25:27 NIV)

This verse teaches the wisdom of moderation in diet and exercise. It warns against overindulgence and encourages balance in all aspects of life.

Ecclesiastes 10:17 – The Value of Balanced Diet

Blessed are you, O land, whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness. (Ecclesiastes 10:17 NIV)

This verse underscores the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining a healthy and productive life. It suggests that eating for strength and nourishment is more beneficial than eating for mere pleasure.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Our Body, God's 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. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV)

This verse reminds us that our bodies are God's temple. This perspective has profound implications for our diet and exercise habits. It encourages us to treat our bodies with respect and care, nourishing them with healthy foods and keeping them fit with regular exercise.

3 John 1:2 – God's Desire for Our 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. (3 John 1:2 NIV)

This verse underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes a balanced diet and regular exercise. It reminds us that our physical well-being is a reflection of our spiritual health.

Proverbs 23:20-21 – Warning Against Overeating

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. (Proverbs 23:20-21 NIV)

This verse warns against overeating, highlighting its negative consequences. This wisdom encourages us to practice moderation in our eating habits. It teaches us that overindulgence can lead to health problems and detract from our spiritual focus.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – Our Body, God's Temple

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NIV)

This verse reiterates the concept of our bodies as God's temple. It emphasizes the importance of treating our bodies with respect. This includes maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, as well as avoiding harmful behaviors.

Romans 12:1 – Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice

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. (Romans 12:1 NIV)

This verse calls us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This verse encourages us to honor God through our physical health and fitness. It teaches us that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a form of worship.

Genesis 1:29 – God's Original Diet for Mankind

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. (Genesis 1:29 NIV)

This verse provides insight into God's original diet for mankind. It suggests that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains is not only beneficial for our physical health, but also aligns with God's design for human nutrition.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Discipline in Exercise

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. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV)

This verse emphasizes the importance of discipline in exercise. It likens the Christian life to a race that requires self-control and perseverance. This verse encourages us to apply the same discipline in our physical exercise as we do in our spiritual growth.

Philippians 4:13 – Strength Through Christ

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NIV)

This verse is a powerful reminder that we can find strength through Christ in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It assures us that we can overcome any challenge, including the struggle to stay fit and healthy, through Christ who strengthens us.

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. (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)

This verse promises renewed strength for those who hope in the Lord. This verse encourages us to persevere in our fitness journey, assuring us that God will renew our strength and help us soar like eagles.

Psalm 119:73 – God's Creation

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. (Psalm 119:73 NIV)

This verse reflects on how we are wonderfully made by God. It reminds us to appreciate our bodies as God's creation and to care for them through a healthy diet and regular exercise.

1 Timothy 4:7-8 – Training in Godliness

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 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. (1 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV)

This verse highlights the value of physical training and the even greater value of training in godliness. It encourages us to maintain our physical health, but not at the expense of our spiritual health.

Galatians 5:22-23 – Fruits of the Spirit

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV)

This verse presents the fruits of the Spirit as a guide for our behavior, including our eating and exercise habits. It encourages us to cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in all areas of our life.

1 Corinthians 6:13 – Food and the Body

You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. (1 Corinthians 6:13 NIV)

This verse explores the relationship between food and the body, and its spiritual implications. It reminds us that while food is for the body, both the body and food are temporal. Our bodies, however, are meant for the Lord, emphasizing the importance of maintaining our physical health in honor of God.

Matthew 4:4 – Spiritual Nourishment

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 NIV)

This verse underscores the importance of spiritual nourishment over physical food. Jesus says, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." This verse encourages us to seek spiritual sustenance through God's Word, which is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being.

Proverbs 13:25 – The Righteous Eat to Their Hearts' Content

The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry. (Proverbs 13:25 NIV)

This verse promises satisfaction and contentment for the righteous. It says, "The righteous eat to their hearts' content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry." This verse teaches us that living a righteous life leads to contentment, including satisfaction in our diet and exercise habits.

Psalm 104:14-15 – God's Provision of Food

He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts. (Psalm 104:14-15 NIV)

This verse reflects on God's provision of food for all creatures. It praises God for the bountiful earth He has created, which produces food for our sustenance. This verse encourages us to appreciate and make good use of God's provisions for our dietary needs.

1 Timothy 4:4-5 – Everything God Created is Good

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. (1 Timothy 4:4-5 NIV)

This verse affirms the goodness of everything God created, including food. It teaches us that everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. This verse encourages us to enjoy the variety of foods God has provided, with a heart of gratitude.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible offers valuable insights about diet and exercise. It teaches us to maintain a balanced lifestyle that honors God, to value spiritual nourishment over physical food, and to appreciate the goodness of everything God created. As we apply these biblical principles to our daily diet and exercise habits, we can experience a healthier and more fulfilling life. Let's strive to honor God with our bodies, for we are wonderfully made by Him.

FAQs

What does the Bible say about exercise? 

The Bible encourages physical discipline and maintaining the body, which is considered a temple of the Holy Spirit. Verses like 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and Proverbs 31:17 emphasize this.

Are there specific Bible verses about diet and nutrition? 

Yes, there are several Bible verses that provide guidance on diet and nutrition. For instance, Genesis 1:29 talks about God's original diet plan for humans, which was plant-based.

Does the Bible provide any guidance on weight loss? 

While the Bible doesn't directly address weight loss, it does emphasize principles like self-control, moderation, and respect for the body, which are relevant to weight management. Proverbs 23:2 and 1 Corinthians 9:27 are examples of such verses.

Can faith and fitness go together? 

Absolutely. Many Bible verses suggest that maintaining physical health is a way of honoring God. Combining faith and fitness can add a worshipful purpose to your workout routine.

What is the spiritual perspective on diet and exercise? 

From a spiritual perspective, diet and exercise are not just about physical health but also about respecting the body as God's temple and practicing self-discipline. Verses like 1 Timothy 4:8 and Matthew 4:4 highlight this perspective.