35 Important Bible Verses About Drinking Alcohol And Smoking (With Commentary)

Drinking alcohol and smoking are topics many people think about, especially in today’s world. The Bible provides guidance on these habits, helping us understand what God wants for our lives. It’s important to know how Scripture views these activities so we can make choices that align with our faith and well-being.

Today, we’ll look at some Bible verses that address drinking alcohol and smoking. These verses will help us see the impact of these habits on our bodies and spiritual lives. Together, we can learn how to make decisions that honor God and lead to a healthier lifestyle.

Bible Verses About Drinking Alcohol And Smoking

The Importance of Self-Control

Self-control is a key virtue for us as Christians. The Bible teaches us that we should not be mastered by anything, including habits like drinking and smoking. Self-control allows us to keep our priorities straight and to focus on our spiritual journey. It helps us choose a path that honors God and reflects our commitment to Him. When we practice self-control, we not only take care of our bodies, but we also nurture our relationships with God and others.

Proverbs 25:28

“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28

This verse gives us a powerful image of what it means to lack self-control. Just as a city with broken walls is vulnerable, we too become susceptible to various harmful influences without self-control. This vulnerability can deeply affect our spiritual and physical health, including how we approach drinking alcohol and smoking.

Galatians 5:22-23

“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

In this passage, we learn about the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control. The Holy Spirit helps us develop self-control, guided by love and faith. This empowers us to make choices about alcohol and smoking that honour God while promoting our wellbeing and spiritual growth.

1 Corinthians 6:12

“I have the right to do anything,” you say, “but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything,” but I will not be mastered by anything.” – 1 Corinthians 6:12

This scripture provides clarity on our freedom in Christ. While we may have the right to engage in certain habits, like drinking alcohol, we must evaluate whether these choices benefit us. We are encouraged to avoid surrendering to any habit that could lead us astray.

Titus 2:11-12

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” – Titus 2:11-12

This verse speaks about God’s grace, which empowers us to live a self-controlled life. It is a positive reminder that through God’s help, we can resist unhealthy habits and behaviors, including excessive drinking and smoking.

Proverbs 30:7-9

“Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.” – Proverbs 30:7-9

This prayer reveals the desire for balance and self-control in our lives. It encourages us to request what we truly need from God and to avoid habits or substances, such as alcohol and smoking, that might lead us away from Him.

The Effects of Drinking Alcohol

As we examine the effects of drinking alcohol, Scripture guides us to make mindful choices. Alcohol can impair our judgment, leading us to act in ways that may not reflect our faith. By understanding these effects, we can recognize the importance of moderation and the potential dangers that come with excessive drinking. Our aim should be to glorify God in our actions and to encourage others through a life marked by wisdom and discernment.

Ephesians 5:18

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” – Ephesians 5:18

This verse provides a clear directive against excessive drinking. We are urged not only to avoid drunkenness but also to embrace a fuller, more spiritual life by being filled with the Holy Spirit. This reinforces the notion that a life centered around God is far more rewarding than temporary pleasures.

Proverbs 20:1

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” – Proverbs 20:1

This warning reminds us of the deceptions that alcohol can bring. Wisdom requires us to maintain awareness of how drinking can affect our lives and our decisions, steering us away from our walk with God.

1 Peter 5:8

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8

The call for alertness and sobriety is echoed in this verse. Alcohol can dull our senses and make us more vulnerable to temptations and attacks from the enemy, reminding us that clarity of mind is crucial in our spiritual battle.

Proverbs 23:29-32

“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!” – Proverbs 23:29-32

This passage paints a vivid picture of the negative consequences that can arise from excessive drinking. It serves as a cautionary reminder to be mindful of the seductive nature of alcohol and the potential harm it can inflict on our lives.

Isaiah 5:11

“Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine.” – Isaiah 5:11

This verse highlights the dangers of prioritizing drinking over our responsibilities and spiritual growth. It portrays the pitfalls of careless indulgence, encouraging us to seek a more fruitful and fulfilling life in Christ.

The Dangers of Smoking

Smoking, like other habits, can also have detrimental effects on our physical and spiritual health. The Bible encourages us to treat our bodies with respect, viewing them as temples. By recognizing the dangers of smoking, we can make choices that honour God and promote our well-being. Understanding these risks strengthens our resolve to choose healthier alternatives, allowing us to serve Him better.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“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

This verse emphatically communicates the importance of honouring our bodies. Understanding that our bodies are temples should inspire us to avoid habits like smoking that can harm our health and hinder our relationship with God.

Romans 12:1

“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

Offering our bodies as a living sacrifice encourages us to lead healthy lives. Smoking can undermine this commitment, reminding us of our responsibility to honor God through our actions and choices.

Proverbs 3:7-8

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:7-8

The call to avoid evil provides a clear guideline for us. By steering clear of harmful habits like smoking, we align with God’s wisdom, gaining physical and spiritual health in the process.

1 Timothy 4:8

“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

This verse reminds us that while it is important to care for our physical bodies, it is even more critical to focus on our spiritual health. Choosing to avoid smoking aligns with living a godly life, which ultimately impacts our overall well-being.

Psalm 91:16

“With long life, I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” – Psalm 91:16

This promise of long life encourages us to take care of our health. By avoiding smoking, we embrace God’s gift of life and choose to honour Him through our care for our bodies.