Self-indulgence often manifests as debauchery, a form of excessive gratification that wastes one's body and resources. In Proverbs 23:21, the term for glutton is linked to debauchees or wasters of their own body, highlighting the destructive nature of such behavior. This unrestrained pursuit of sensual appetites for personal pleasure promotes attitudes like fanaticism, false security, presumption, and fun-seeking, reflecting a deeper obsession with selfish desires. The effects of this lifestyle are dire, leading to poverty, spiritual emptiness, and ultimately death, as it fosters an endless striving for more worldly pleasure that can spiral into full-blown addiction. Spiritually, this debauchery is evident in the craving for false doctrines and pagan influences, akin to the Israelites who grew fat and rejected God, becoming mischievous and vicious from being spoiled. Such spiritual gluttony remains a persistent trap, alluring to those who lack restraint and are drawn to enticing, repackaged temptations.

In the pursuit of happiness, some cultures, like those of Rome and Greece during their declines, became notorious for pleasure-seeking that escalated into orgies and bacchanalian revelries. These extreme festivities stand as stark examples of how far the quest for joy can go. Yet, there is a danger inherent in such pursuits, especially during festival times, where the pursuit of joy can overshadow more significant purposes. God warns that unchecked gaiety can turn to hilarity, hilarity to revelry, and revelry to debauchery, causing the loss of true, God-produced joy. He urges us to listen and stay clear of idolatry, reminding us of His role as the one who frees us from bondage, so that our rejoicing does not devolve into mere excess and lose its spiritual value.

Debauchery is a serious issue that can lead to the dissipation of our spiritual energy. The apostle Paul's epistle to Titus emphasizes the importance of avoiding debauchery, particularly in the context of church leadership. The children of a man being considered for the ministry should not be justly accused of debauchery, as this would reflect poorly on the man's ability to lead and govern his family. Debauchery, along with drunkenness and overeating, is seen as a form of dissipation that can lead to a disorderly and ungoverned life. To fulfill God's purpose, we must reject such harmful habits and strive to develop positive, self-sacrificing habits that align with God's standards.