Sir 37, 27-30 Be not drawn after every enjoyment

(Sir 37, 27-30) Be not drawn after every enjoyment

[27] For not every food is good for everyone, nor is everything suited to every taste. [28] Be not drawn after every enjoyment, neither become a glutton for choice foods, [29] For sickness comes with overeating, and gluttony brings on biliousness. [30] Through lack of self-control many have died, but the abstemious man prolongs his life.

(CCC 1810) Human virtues acquired by education, by deliberate acts and by a perseverance ever-renewed in repeated efforts are purified and elevated by divine grace. With God's help, they forge character and give facility in the practice of the good. The virtuous man is happy to practice them. (CCC 1811) It is not easy for man, wounded by sin, to maintain moral balance. Christ's gift of salvation offers us the grace necessary to persevere in the pursuit of the virtues. Everyone should always ask for this grace of light and strength, frequent the sacraments, cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and follow his calls to love what is good and shun evil.