The Bible addresses a multitude of topics relevant to our lives, even those that may seem unconventional or modern. While the term “getting high” might not be explicitly mentioned in ancient scriptures, the underlying themes of sobriety, clarity of mind, and avoiding intoxication are prevalent throughout. Let’s look into some Bible verses that touch upon the concept of maintaining a clear and sober state of being.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Stubborn Woman
Bible Verses About Getting High
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
This verse reminds us that as Christians, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Getting high through the use of drugs or substances goes against the sanctity and purpose of our bodies, which is to glorify God.
Ephesians 5:18
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
This verse speaks directly to the issue of getting high or intoxicated. It warns against the excessive consumption of alcohol, which can lead to loss of self-control and sinful behavior. Instead, as believers, we are encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit and find our joy and contentment in Him.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being alert and clear-minded. Getting high impairs our judgment and can make us more susceptible to the attacks of the enemy. As Christians, we should strive to be sober-minded and watchful, guarding ourselves against the schemes of the devil.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.”
When we get high, we hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control, cannot flourish in a mind altered by drugs or substances. As followers of Christ, we should strive to cultivate these qualities in our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
This verse warns against the deception and destructive influence of alcohol, but it can be applied to any mind-altering substances. Getting high leads us astray from wisdom and can have severe consequences both in this life and in our relationship with God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
As Christians, our actions and choices should always be done with the intention of bringing glory to God. Getting high does not align with this purpose and can lead to dishonoring God in our bodies and actions.
Romans 12:1-2
“I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This passage calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God. Getting high goes against the call to be holy and acceptable to God. Through the renewal of our minds, we can discern and align ourselves with the will of God, which does not include seeking temporary highs through substances.
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
When we get high, our focus is shifted from heavenly things to earthly pleasures. As Christians, we are called to set our minds on things that honor and reflect Christ, rather than seeking temporary and artificial experiences.
Titus 2:12
“Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”
Getting high indulges in worldly passions and can lead us away from a self-controlled and godly life. We are called to renounce ungodliness and instead live upright lives that bring honor and glory to God.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Getting high can be a form of submitting to worldly desires and temptations. Instead, we are called to submit ourselves to God and resist the devil. By doing so, we can overcome the temptations and influences that lead us to seek artificial highs.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
As believers, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Getting high can be seen as a form of destroying and defiling that temple. We should strive to honor God by keeping our bodies free from any substances that hinder our relationship with Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:6
“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.”
This verse encourages us to be alert and sober-minded, rather than being influenced by substances that can hinder our spiritual awareness and sensitivity. Being in a clear state of mind allows us to fully engage in our walk with God and be ready to fulfill His purposes for our lives.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Getting high prioritizes seeking temporary pleasure and escape rather than seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. As Christians, our primary focus should be on aligning ourselves with God’s will and allowing Him to add all that we need to our lives.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This passage lists various works of the flesh, including drunkenness and sorcery. Getting high falls under the category of indulging in substances that impair our judgment and lead to sinful behavior. It serves as a warning that those who consistently engage in such practices will not inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Peter 1:14-16
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'”
Getting high conforms to the passions and indulgences of our former ignorant ways. However, as children of God, we are called to live holy lives, imitating the holiness of our Heavenly Father. Our conduct should reflect a transformation from our past lives, including the choices we make concerning altering our state of mind.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’
Getting high can often be associated with being in the company of those who encourage or participate in such activities. This verse warns us about the negative influence of our associations and emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who will uphold and encourage good morals rather than leading us astray.
Romans 6:12-13
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”
Getting high allows sin to reign in our bodies and gives in to the passions that arise. However, as believers, we are called to present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness, not allowing our bodies to be used for unrighteous purposes or indulgences.
Proverbs 23:29-35
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end, it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast. ‘They struck me,’ you will say, ‘but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.'”
While this passage specifically mentions wine, it warns about the dangers of indulging in substances that can lead to addiction and destructive behavior. When we get high, we open ourselves up to woe, sorrow, and a distorted perception of reality, ultimately leading to a cycle of dependency.
Romans 14:21
“It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”
Getting high can be a stumbling block for others, especially those who may struggle with addiction or have had negative experiences with substance abuse. As Christians, we should consider the impact of our choices on others and seek to avoid anything that may cause them to stumble in their faith.
1 Timothy 3:2-3
“Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”
While this verse specifically addresses the characteristics of an overseer or leader in the church, it also serves as a reminder of the qualities we should strive for as believers. Being sober-minded and self-controlled are emphasized as attributes that reflect an exemplary Christian lifestyle.
Psalm 119:37
“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.”
Getting high can be seen as pursuing worthless things that do not align with God’s ways and purposes for our lives. This verse reminds us to turn our gaze away from such things and instead seek life and fulfillment in God’s ways.
1 Corinthians 7:34
“The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband.”
This verse brings attention to the importance of being devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. Getting high can hinder our ability to fully devote ourselves to God and can distract us from fulfilling our calling and responsibilities as believers.
Luke 12:48
“But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”
As Christians, we have been entrusted with the knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. Therefore, a higher standard is expected of us. Getting high contradicts the responsibility we have been given and can hinder us from living out the purpose God has for our lives.
What Does the Bible Say About Getting High?
The Bible teaches us to be sober-minded and to avoid the use of mind-altering substances. In 1 Peter 5:8, it warns us to “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Additionally, in Ephesians 5:18, we are instructed not to get drunk on wine, which can be extended to include any form of intoxication.
As Christians, we are called to honor God with our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Getting high on drugs or any other substance contradicts this principle as it can lead to a lack of self-control, impaired judgment, and diminished ability to live according to God’s will.
Furthermore, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of being clear-minded and self-controlled. In 1 Thessalonians 5:6, we are encouraged to be alert and self-controlled, and in Titus 2:6, young men are admonished to be self-controlled.
Ultimately, the Bible’s message is one of self-control, sober-mindedness, and stewardship of our bodies. It teaches us to find joy, peace, and fulfillment in God rather than seeking temporary pleasures through substances that alter our state of mind.