The topic of alcohol consumption is a contentious one, but the Bible offers principles and guidelines for approaching it with wisdom and moderation. Join us as we delve into the verses that speak to the issue of drinking, offering insights on the dangers of excess, the blessings of moderation, and the importance of honoring God with our bodies and our choices.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Being True To Yourself
Bible Verses About Drinking In Moderation
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of excessive drinking. It emphasizes that being deceived by alcohol is a sign of lacking wisdom. It reminds us to be mindful of how alcohol can lead to negative consequences if not consumed in moderation.
1 Corinthians 6:12
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
In this verse, Paul acknowledges that while he has freedom to engage in various activities, including drinking in moderation, he chooses not to be controlled by anything. It reminds us to exercise self-control and not let alcohol or any other substance have power over us.
Ephesians 5:18
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
This verse encourages believers to avoid getting drunk on wine, which leads to excessive and irresponsible behavior. Instead, it calls us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, seeking our joy and satisfaction in God rather than in alcohol.
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”
This passage advises against associating with heavy drinkers and those who indulge in excesses. It warns that such behaviors can lead to poverty and a lack of discipline. It reminds believers to exercise moderation in all areas of life.
1 Timothy 3:8
“Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;”
Paul’s instructions to Timothy regarding the qualifications for deacons include not being given to excessive wine. It emphasizes the importance of deacons being seen as individuals of integrity and self-control.
Proverbs 31:4-5
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.”
This passage advises leaders, such as kings and princes, to refrain from excessive drinking. It highlights the potential negative effects of alcohol on decision-making and justice, cautioning against compromising one’s responsibilities and commitment to upholding the law.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is temperance, which refers to self-control and moderation. This verse reminds believers that the Spirit empowers us to live a life marked by moderation and balance, including in our consumption of alcohol.
Proverbs 23:29-32
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.”
This passage cautions against the dangers of excessive drinking and the negative consequences that can follow. It vividly describes the negative effects of prolonged and excessive consumption of alcohol, warning readers to be cautious and exercise self-control.
Romans 14:21
“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.”
This verse highlights the importance of considering the impact of our actions on others. It reminds us that if drinking alcohol causes a fellow believer to stumble, become offended, or weakened in their faith, it is better to abstain from it in their presence.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
This verse encourages believers to be sober and vigilant, reminding them of the spiritual battle they are engaged in. It warns against the influence of Satan, who seeks to defeat and destroy through various means, including the misuse of alcohol.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
This verse reminds believers that everything we do, including our choices concerning food and drink, should be done to honor and bring glory to God. It encourages us to consider how our drinking habits reflect our faith and witness to the world.
Proverbs 31:6-7
“Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.”
In this passage, the wise advice is given to provide strong drink to those who are in desperate situations or experiencing deep sorrow. It recognizes the temporary relief that alcohol can bring in these circumstances but does not promote its regular or excessive consumption.
Romans 13:13
“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
This verse calls believers to live lives of honesty, integrity, and self-control. It urges against engaging in behaviors such as excessive drinking, sexual immorality, and strife, which are contrary to the spirit of Christ-like living.
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.”
This passage encourages believers to live in a state of spiritual alertness and sobriety, not allowing themselves to be spiritually asleep or controlled by alcohol. It emphasizes the need to be on guard against the temptations and distractions of the world.
Isaiah 28:7
“But they also have erred through wine and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.”
This verse depicts the negative consequences of excessive drinking, particularly its impact on spiritual leaders. It illustrates how alcohol can impair judgment, distort vision, and lead even the most respected individuals astray.
Proverbs 20:9
“Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?”
This verse reminds us that none of us can claim to be without sin or completely pure in heart. It serves as a humbling reminder that even in our actions, such as moderate drinking, we can still fall short and need God’s forgiveness and grace.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
This verse calls believers to live every aspect of their lives, including their drinking habits, in a way that honors and glorifies the Lord. It encourages us to approach all our actions with gratitude towards God.
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
This verse reminds us that Christianity is not defined by what we eat or drink but rather by qualities such as righteousness, peace, and joy found in the Holy Spirit. It encourages believers to prioritize these spiritual aspects over external practices.
1 Peter 4:7
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.”
This verse highlights the urgency of the times and the need for believers to be spiritually alert and sober-minded. It reminds us to be watchful in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and staying focused on His will.
1 Corinthians 10:23
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.”
Similar to the verse mentioned earlier, Paul expresses his freedom in Christ while acknowledging the importance of considering whether or not something is beneficial or edifying. This verse reminds us that our actions, including drinking in moderation, should contribute to our spiritual growth and the building up of others.
Proverbs 23:29-30
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.”
This passage echoes the previous verses’ warning about those who linger in the consumption of wine and pursue mixed drinks. It highlights the negative consequences that can result from excessive alcohol use, including woe, sorrow, conflicts, and physical harm.
Titus 2:2-3
“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;”
Paul’s instructions to Titus regarding the behavior of aged men and women emphasize the importance of sobriety and moderation. It reminds believers, regardless of age, to exhibit self-control, holiness, and teach what is good.
Isaiah 5:11
“Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!”
In this verse, Isaiah pronounces a warning against those who eagerly pursue strong drink from morning to night, allowing themselves to be inflamed by wine. It serves as a caution against excessive and habitual drinking.
Matthew 15:11
“Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.”
This verse, while not directly related to drinking in moderation, emphasizes the importance of the heart and our words. It reminds believers that what truly defiles us is not what we eat or drink but rather the intentions and content of our speech.
These verses provide guidance and wisdom regarding the topic of drinking in moderation. They caution against excessive drinking, emphasize the importance of self-control and sobriety, and remind believers to consider the impact of their actions on others and their witness as Christians. The Bible encourages moderation in all things, including alcohol consumption, as excess can lead to negative consequences. Ultimately, these verses call believers to prioritize their relationship with God and seek His guidance in making wise choices concerning their behavior and habits.
What Does the Bible Say About Drinking In Moderation?
The Bible does address the topic of alcohol consumption. It does not explicitly forbid drinking, but it does offer guidance on the matter. In Ephesians 5:18, we are told not to get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. This verse suggests that drunkenness is condemned, but it does not condemn moderate drinking.
In Proverbs, we are warned about the dangers of excessive drinking. In Proverbs 20:1, it states, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” This passage advises us to be wise and not be deceived by the effects of excessive drinking.
The Bible also acknowledges the enjoyment of wine and the celebration it brings. In Ecclesiastes 9:7, it says, “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” This passage indicates that it is acceptable to enjoy wine in moderation as part of a joyful celebration.
Furthermore, in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, we are reminded that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and that we should honor God with our bodies. This verse prompts us to consider the impact of our choices on our bodies and the message it sends to others.
In summary, while the Bible warns against the dangers of excessive drinking and drunkenness, it does not outright forbid moderate consumption of alcohol. However, it encourages us to be wise, mindful of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, and to avoid the pitfalls of overindulgence. As Christians, it is important to approach alcohol with discernment and self-control, always being mindful of our witness to others.