Throughout the Bible, believers are encouraged to keep their minds clear and focused on God. Mind-altering substances can interfere with this connection. This post discusses the Bible’s view on keeping a sound mind, the dangers of altering it, and the importance of self-control and awareness.
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What Does The Bible Say About Mind Altering Substances
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
This verse warns against the dangers of alcohol and how it can lead to foolishness and poor decision-making. It cautions us not to be led astray by mind-altering substances.
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.”
God calls us to honor Him with our bodies because they are temples of the Holy Spirit. This verse reminds us that we belong to God and should not defile our bodies with substances that alter our minds and impair our judgment.
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.”
Being sober-minded allows us to be alert and aware of the schemes of the enemy. This verse emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and not allowing substances to cloud our judgment and make us vulnerable to the attacks of the devil.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse lists drunkenness as one of the acts of the flesh that are contrary to God’s will. It serves as a warning that those who engage in such behavior will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Instead of seeking mind-altering substances, we are encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This verse reminds us that true fulfillment and joy come from being filled with God’s Spirit, not from substances that can lead to sinful behavior.
Proverbs 23:31-32
“Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end, it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.”
This verse illustrates the deceptive nature of alcohol. It may seem pleasant and enticing, but in the end, it can have deadly consequences. It urges us to exercise caution and avoid becoming captivated by the allure of mind-altering substances.
Colossians 3:2-3
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”
As believers, our focus should be on heavenly things rather than the things of this world. This verse encourages us to set our minds on eternal truths and not on substances that distract us from our relationship with God.
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”
As children of the light, we are called to be spiritually awake and sober-minded. This verse reminds us that drunkenness belongs to the darkness, but as believers, we are to be clothed in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
This verse encourages us to resist the influence of the world and allow our minds to be transformed by God. By avoiding mind-altering substances, we are better able to discern and align ourselves with God’s will for our lives.
Proverbs 23:29-30
“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.”
This verse highlights the negative consequences that can come from indulging in excessive alcohol consumption. It warns against the troubles and strife that are often associated with such behavior.
Matthew 15:11
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
This verse teaches us that it is not what we consume that defiles us but rather the words and actions that proceed from our hearts. However, it is essential to note that while substances may not defile us internally, they can still have detrimental effects on our minds and bodies.
Titus 2:12
“It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of living self-controlled lives and saying no to ungodly passions. By avoiding mind-altering substances, we are better equipped to live in a manner that honors God and reflects His character.
Mark 7:21-23
“For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”
This verse reminds us that evil and defilement come from within the heart. Mind-altering substances can impair our judgment and lead us to engage in sinful behavior. Therefore, it is crucial to guard our hearts and minds against the influence of such substances.
Romans 13:13-14
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to live lives that reflect His character and bring glory to Him. This verse encourages us to abandon behaviors associated with drunkenness and instead focus on clothing ourselves with Christ and resisting the desires of the flesh.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
Regardless of age, as believers, we are called to set an example for other believers and non-believers alike. Avoiding mind-altering substances is one way we can demonstrate purity and a commitment to living in obedience to God’s Word.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
Our ultimate purpose is to bring glory to God in all that we do. This verse reminds us that the choices we make, including what we consume, should be done with the intention of honoring and glorifying God.
Romans 14:21
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
This verse encourages us to consider the impact of our actions on others. While substances themselves may not be inherently sinful, if their consumption causes a fellow believer to stumble, it is better to abstain for the sake of their spiritual well-being.
Proverbs 31:4-5
“It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.”
Leaders are cautioned against the excessive consumption of alcohol, as it can impair their judgment and lead to the neglect of those under their care. This verse serves as a reminder that those in positions of authority should not indulge in mind-altering substances.
1 Peter 1:13
“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”
A sober and alert mind allows us to set our hope on the grace of Christ and remain vigilant in our faith. This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear mind and avoiding substances that can cloud our judgment and distract us from our hope in Christ.
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.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, which includes self-control. By avoiding mind-altering substances, we are better able to cultivate and display the characteristics of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”
As believers, we are called to honor and respect the temple of the Holy Spirit, which is our bodies. This verse reminds us that harming our bodies through the misuse of mind-altering substances is a serious offense to God.
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
This verse advises against overindulgence in both food and alcohol. It warns of the negative consequences, such as poverty and a lack of self-control, that can arise from excessive consumption of mind-altering substances.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
Our choice of companions can influence our behavior and character. This verse reminds us to be cautious about the company we keep, particularly if they engage in mind-altering substances that could lead us astray.
1 Peter 4:7
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
This verse encourages us to remain vigilant and sober-minded in light of the imminent return of Christ. By avoiding substances that alter our minds, we are better able to focus on prayer and seek the will of God.
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Through Christ, we have been set free from the bondage of sin. This verse urges us to stand firm and not allow ourselves to be enslaved by substances that can control our minds and hinder our freedom in Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse makes it clear that, along with other sinful behaviors, drunkenness is not compatible with inheriting the kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of living in accordance with God’s commands and avoiding actions that separate us from Him.