The topic of alcohol consumption is a subject of debate and consideration. Today, we’ll look into Bible verses that provide perspectives on drinking.
Discover how the Scriptures address moderation, the consequences of excess, and the importance of responsible choices in this sensitive area of life.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Growing Spiritually
Bible Verses About Drinking
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
This verse highlights the dangers of excessive drinking and the negative consequences that can result from being led astray by alcohol. It serves as a reminder to exercise wisdom and self-control in regards to alcohol consumption.
Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit rather than being controlled by the intoxicating effects of alcohol. It encourages believers to seek spiritual fulfillment and empowerment rather than relying on substances for satisfaction.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse includes drunkards among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. It serves as a reminder of the need to pursue righteous living and to avoid behaviors that are contrary to God’s will, including excessive drinking.
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.”
In this verse, Isaiah pronounces woe upon those who prioritize and pursue drinking to the point of becoming inflamed with wine. It cautions against the destructive cycle of excessive drinking and the neglect of more important matters.
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 passage depicts the negative consequences and hardships that can arise from indulging in excessive drinking. It serves as a warning against the allure and potential harm of alcohol abuse.
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.”
This verse advises against kings and rulers indulging in excessive alcohol consumption due to its risk of impairing judgment and resulting in injustice towards the oppressed. It emphasizes the need for leaders to be sober-minded and responsible in their decision-making.
Galatians 5:21
“…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.”
Paul lists drunkenness among the sinful behaviors that are contrary to a Spirit-filled life. This verse emphasizes the importance of pursuing a lifestyle that aligns with God’s principles and warns of the consequences of persisting in sinful habits.
Proverbs 31:6-7
“Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.”
This verse acknowledges that alcohol can temporarily alleviate distress but emphasizes that it is not the solution to overcoming hardships. It points to the need for genuine healing and deliverance from God rather than seeking solace in temporary pleasures.
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.”
In this verse, Paul urges believers to prioritize love and consideration for others over personal indulgences. It encourages refraining from certain behaviors, including drinking wine, if it may cause a fellow believer to stumble or fall into temptation.
Psalm 104:14-15
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”
This passage recognizes the goodness of God’s creation, including wine, as a source of joy and gladness for humanity. It highlights the appropriate and moderate enjoyment of wine within the context of God’s provisions.
1 Timothy 3:8
“In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.”
Paul advises deacons to exercise self-control when it comes to alcohol consumption. This verse underscores the importance of leaders exemplifying upright character and moderation in all aspects of their lives.
Leviticus 10:9
“You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the tent of meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.”
God commands Aaron and his sons, the priests, to refrain from drinking alcohol before entering the tabernacle, where they would carry out their sacred duties. This verse conveys the need for reverence and purity in approaching God’s presence.
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.”
This verse calls believers to be vigilant and self-controlled, avoiding anything that may impair their ability to resist the schemes of the enemy. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clear and sober mind in spiritual warfare.
Titus 2:2-3
“Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.”
Paul instructs Titus to teach older women to prioritize godly behavior, which includes abstaining from excessive drinking. This verse highlights the role of experienced believers in setting a positive example and instructing others in the ways of righteousness.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse stresses the importance of living every aspect of life, including eating and drinking, in a manner that brings glory to God. It encourages believers to evaluate their choices and actions in light of their relationship with God.
Proverbs 31: 6-7
“Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.”
In this passage, the writer encourages the use of alcohol as a temporary escape from the realities of suffering and poverty. However, this verse does not suggest that drinking is a solution or a healthy coping mechanism for these issues.
1 Timothy 5:23
“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”
Paul advises Timothy to use a little wine for medicinal purposes, addressing his physical ailments. This verse indicates that moderate consumption of wine may have healing properties, but it is not a license for excessive drinking.
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 warns against the dangers of excessive drinking and overindulgence. It highlights the negative consequences of such behaviors, including the potential for financial ruin and a lack of productivity.
Luke 21:34
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder to believers to avoid the distractions and excesses of the world, including drunkenness. It urges them to be mindful and prepared for the return of Christ.
Matthew 24:49
“The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
In this parable, Jesus warns about the consequences of being an unfaithful servant who abuses his position and indulges in sinful behaviors, such as excessive drinking. It emphasizes the importance of faithful stewardship and vigilance in our actions.
Romans 13:13
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.”
This verse calls believers to live with integrity and decency, warning against engaging in behaviors such as drunkenness that are contrary to God’s standards. It encourages pursuing righteousness and unity among believers instead.
Isaiah 5:22
“Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks.”
In this verse, Isaiah pronounces woe upon those who excel in excessive drinking and the mixing of strong alcoholic drinks. It highlights the foolishness and misplaced priorities of those who find pride in such behaviors.
Isaiah 28:7
“And these also stagger from wine and reel from beer: Priests and prophets stagger from beer and are befuddled with wine; they reel from beer, they stagger when seeing visions, they stumble when rendering decisions.”
This passage portrays a negative picture of the spiritual leaders who allow themselves to be overindulgent in alcohol. It warns of the detrimental effects that excessive drinking can have on one’s ability to fulfill their sacred responsibilities and make sound judgments.
1 Samuel 1:14-15
“Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.””
Hannah, in her desperate desire for a child, chooses not to partake in wine or strong drink. Her actions demonstrate her complete surrender to God and her commitment to seeking Him wholeheartedly.
These verses collectively convey the importance of approaching alcohol with caution and moderation. They warn against excessive drinking, which can lead to a loss of self-control, negative consequences, and hinder our ability to live in alignment with God’s principles. While the Bible acknowledges that wine can bring joy and there may be instances where it is permissible, it consistently emphasizes the need for self-control, responsible behavior, and prioritizing God’s kingdom above worldly pleasures. As Christians, we are called to honor God with our bodies, engage in self-discipline, and demonstrate love and consideration for others in all aspects of our lives, including our relationship with alcohol.
What Does the Bible Say About Drinking?
In the Bible, drinking is not explicitly prohibited. However, the Bible does caution us about the potential negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. In Ephesians 5:18, we are advised not to get drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery, but to be filled with the Spirit.
Proverbs 20:1 also warns us that “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” This verse reminds us that excessive drinking can lead to foolishness and destructive behavior. Additionally, 1 Corinthians 6:10 states that drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God, emphasizing the seriousness of alcohol abuse.
Furthermore, we should consider the impact of our actions on others. Romans 14:21 urges us not to cause our brothers or sisters to stumble or be offended. Therefore, if our drinking causes someone else to stumble or leads them to sin, we should abstain for the sake of their spiritual well-being.
Ultimately, the Bible encourages us to exercise self-control and moderation in all things, including drinking. While a glass of wine or a drink in moderation may not be inherently sinful, we are reminded to be mindful of the potential risks and to prioritize spiritual well-being and the welfare of others in our choices regarding alcohol.