DEUT898 Excessiveness [in things permitted] is where one crosses the limit of the necessary into the superfluous, what man has no need for, such as overindulgence in food and drink-- the Wise Man has already warned us of this, saying, “Be not among those who drink wine to excess, or among gluttonous eaters of meat” (Mishlei 23:20 ); also, extravagant adornment in dress; overly large homes; excessive talk, in which one cannot be sure that one will not stumble, as the Wise Man said, “When there is too much talk, mistakes are not lacking” (ibid.10:19). He also said of sexual immoderation, “He who keeps the company of harlots loses wealth” (ibid. 29:3); “Do not give your strength to women” (ibid. 31:3); and [Scripture] says of the King, “He should not have many wives” (Devarim 17:17). [Further examples of excessiveness are] striving to multiply possessions and to accumulate money. Of this it is said, “Do not toil to get wealth; of your own understanding, desist” (Mishlei 23:4); and [Scripture] says of the king, [nor shall he greatly multiply for himself silver and gold” [Devarim 17:17]. Whatever we have mentioned above as conducive to the body's well-being and pleasure is, in the end, contemptible, for it brings a man to that which the Creator has warned him against and forbidden him.