How can we tell what is figurative and what is literal in the Bible?
The text for this message was Proverbs 23:1-3, which includes the phrase “take a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.” This is a figure of speech and is to be translated figuratively. The best way to tell if a verse is figurative or literal is to read the context. That is, read the verses before and after the verse you are looking at in order to determine the meaning. Also use some common sense. Do you really think God wants you to stick a knife to your throat if you are given to over-eating? Where else in the Bible are we called to harm ourselves? You can also determine if a verse is literal or figurative by asking other people, especially other Christians who have a lot of experience in Bible study.

So eating a lot is a sin?
Eating a lot is a sin if it becomes a lifestyle. Gluttony does not mean eating a lot of food. Gluttony is a lifestyle of self-indulgence and in the matter of food, gluttony is living a life obsessed and fixated on food. The issue is not eating a lot of food, but making food your god.

How can I help a friend with an eating disorder?
First, find a counselor who specializes in eating disorders and learn what you can about the health risks of their disorder. Second, lovingly sit down with your friend and discuss your concern with their disorder. Don’t come across as judgmental or condemning. Simply express your concern for their well being and share what you have learned about the help that is available.

Isn’t fasting supposed to be a time to pray not just deprive yourself of food?
Fasting should be combined with times of prayer as well as other disciples like Bible reading, reflection, confession, worship, repentance, etc. It is good to look at fasting as a distinct spiritual pathway with its own benefits. Yes you should pray while fast, but fasting is a powerful pathway when practiced alone. It sincerely helps in allowing the Holy Spirit to empower our self-control as we repent of the sin of gluttony.