The Bible calls us to care for our bodies and avoid anything that harms us. While it doesn’t specifically mention drugs, the principle of living a healthy, self-controlled life is clear. Today, we’ll discuss what the Bible says about doing drugs and how it encourages us to honor God with our bodies.
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What Does The Bible Say About Doing Drugs
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 warns against the practice of drunkenness, which can be linked to drug abuse. It emphasizes that those who engage in such behaviors will not inherit the kingdom of God. The Bible teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and engaging in drug use goes against God’s plan for our lives.
It is important to remember that God wants us to live healthy, sober lives that honor Him. Drug abuse can have destructive physical, emotional, and spiritual effects, and this verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of such actions.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Do you not 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.”
These verses highlight the sacredness of our bodies as the dwelling place of God’s Spirit. Engaging in drug abuse can be seen as destroying God’s temple, which carries a severe consequence. God desires us to take care of ourselves, both physically and spiritually, and drug use goes against these principles.
By recognizing the sacredness of our bodies, we can find the strength to resist the temptation of doing drugs and instead honor God by living a clean and sober life.
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, which can also be applied to drug use. It emphasizes that those who are led astray by substances like alcohol or drugs are not wise. God desires us to make wise choices and not be easily swayed by worldly temptations.
By heeding this warning and recognizing the detrimental effects of drugs, we can find the wisdom to steer clear of substances that can lead us down a destructive path.
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 reminds us to be alert and have a sober mind, as the devil is actively seeking to destroy us. Drug use clouds our judgment and weakens our ability to resist the enemy’s attacks. It leaves us vulnerable to spiritual and emotional harm.
By staying sober and aware, we can stand firm against the enemy’s schemes and rely on God’s strength to overcome temptation.
Proverbs 23:29-35
“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! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. ‘They hit me,’ you will say, ‘but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?'”
This passage describes the consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, which can also be applied to drug abuse. It warns of the negative effects such as woe, sorrow, and confusion that come from indulging in substances. The passage serves as a cautionary reminder that drugs may initially seem enticing and pleasurable, but in the end, they bring harm and destroy lives.
By heeding this warning, we can choose to avoid the temporary pleasures of drug use and instead pursue a life of peace, clarity, and sound judgment.
1 Thessalonians 5:6
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.”
This verse encourages believers to stay awake and sober in a spiritual sense. It serves as a reminder to avoid being careless and unaware of the dangers around us, including the temptation to engage in drug use. By remaining alert and clear-minded, we can actively resist the influence of substances and maintain a close relationship with God.
Our decision to stay sober demonstrates our commitment to following Christ and being obedient to His teachings.
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
This verse expresses a prayer for a pure heart and a steadfast spirit. It acknowledges the need for God’s cleansing and renewal in our lives. When it comes to drug abuse, this prayer can be extended to ask God to help us overcome any addiction and restore us to a state of purity and steadfastness, free from the bondage of substance abuse.
By seeking God’s intervention and relying on His strength, we can find the hope and healing needed to break free from the grip of drugs and live a life marked by purity and steadfastness.
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.”
This verse reminds us that although we have freedom in Christ, not everything is beneficial for our well-being. We may have the liberty to engage in certain activities, but we should not allow ourselves to be controlled or addicted to anything, including drugs. It challenges us to examine our choices and ensure that we are not being mastered by harmful substances.
By exercising self-control and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can make wise decisions that promote our overall well-being and honor God.
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death.”
This verse warns against the deceptive nature of certain paths that seem appealing but ultimately lead to destruction. This can be applied to drug use, as many individuals may believe it to be harmless or even pleasurable at first. However, continued drug abuse can lead to devastating consequences for one’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
By heeding the wisdom found in this verse, we can choose the path that leads to life, embracing God’s teachings and rejecting the allure of substances that offer nothing but empty promises.
Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
This verse cautions against the dangers of drunkenness and encourages believers to be filled with the Spirit of God instead. By applying this principle to drug use, we can understand that relying on substances for pleasure or escape will only lead to further degradation and sinful behavior.
By seeking the filling of the Holy Spirit and finding satisfaction and joy in God, we can experience true fulfillment and avoid the destructive path of drug abuse.
2 Corinthians 10:5
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
This verse speaks to the power of our thoughts and the importance of taking captive every thought that does not align with God’s truth. Applying this principle to drug abuse, it reminds us to be vigilant in guarding our minds against the lies and temptations that may lead to substance abuse.
By intentionally aligning our thoughts with Christ and relying on His strength, we can resist the allure of drugs and make choices that honor God.
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.”
These verses emphasize the importance of conducting ourselves in a manner that reflects our identity as followers of Christ. They call us to reject behaviors associated with substance abuse and instead focus on living according to God’s standards of decency and righteousness.
By surrendering our desires to Christ and seeking to please Him above all else, we can resist the pull of drugs and cultivate a lifestyle that brings honor to His name.
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.”
These verses encourage humility before the Lord and choosing to fear Him rather than relying on our own wisdom. By seeking to shun evil, including the use of drugs, we invite God’s blessings of health and nourishment into our lives.
Through a posture of submission and reverence for God, we can find the strength to overcome the allure of drugs and pursue a life that promotes physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Isaiah 55:2
“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.”
This verse challenges us to examine our priorities and the things we invest our time and resources in. It prompts us to question why we would waste our efforts on things that do not bring true satisfaction or nourishment to our lives, such as drugs.
By turning our focus to that which truly satisfies, namely God’s Word and His provision, we can resist the empty promises of drugs and experience fulfillment that surpasses any temporary high.
1 Peter 1:13-14
“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. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.”
These verses remind believers of the importance of being mentally alert and sober-minded. They call us to set our hope on the future grace that will come with the return of Christ and to resist conforming to the desires of our past lives, including drug addiction.
By renewing our minds with the truth of God’s Word and eagerly anticipating the coming of Christ, we can overcome the pull of drugs and live in obedience to God’s will.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
This verse warns against the deceptive nature of alcohol, which can also be extended to drugs. It cautions that those who are led astray and controlled by substances like alcohol or drugs lack wisdom. God desires us to make wise choices in all areas of life, including abstaining from the use of mind-altering substances.
By recognizing the dangers and potential consequences of drug use, we can choose to pursue wisdom and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit instead.
Proverbs 23:31-32
“Do not look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly; in the end, it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.”
This passage warns against the allure and deceptive nature of alcohol, which can also be applied to drugs. It cautions against being enticed by the initial appeal of substances but reminds us of the hidden dangers and negative consequences that follow.
By heeding this warning, we can resist the temptation to experiment with drugs and instead choose paths that lead to life and blessing.
Proverbs 10:8
“The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.”
This verse highlights the importance of wisdom and discretion in accepting commands and guidance. Applying this principle to drug use, it encourages us to seek wisdom by accepting the commandments of God to live sober and holy lives.
By embracing the wisdom found in God’s Word and submitting to His commands, we can avoid the ruin that comes from substance abuse and instead experience the blessings of a life lived in obedience to Him.
Romans 13:14
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
This verse urges believers to clothe themselves with Christ and reject any provision for the fleshly desires that lead to sin. Specifically, it calls us to make no provision for the desires that may lead to drug abuse.
By keeping our focus on Jesus and intentionally avoiding situations, influences, and temptations that could lead us astray, we can honor God with our bodies and live lives that bring glory to Him.
Mark 7:15
“Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.”
This verse emphasizes that it is not external substances or influences that defile a person; rather, it is the sinful desires and actions that arise from within. While drug abuse may have detrimental effects on our physical bodies, the root issue lies in the condition of our hearts.
By seeking God’s transformation in our hearts and addressing the deeper issues that may lead to drug abuse, we can experience true healing and freedom.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of submitting ourselves to God and resisting the enemy’s temptations. Drug abuse is one of the tactics the devil may use to ensnare and destroy lives, but by surrendering to God’s authority and relying on His strength, we can overcome the allure of drugs.
Through prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and surrounding ourselves with a supportive Christian community, we can resist the enemy’s attacks and experience victory in our battle against substance abuse.
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.”
This verse encourages young believers to set an example in all aspects of their lives, including purity. Applying this principle to drug abuse, it calls us to reject the notion that engaging in substance abuse is a normal part of youth culture.
By living lives marked by purity and making choices that reflect Christ’s love and wisdom, we can inspire others to pursue a similar path and overcome the pressures to use drugs.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
This verse warns against the influence of negative company that can corrupt our character. It serves as a reminder to be cautious of the people we associate with, as drug abuse often occurs within toxic or enabling relationships.
By surrounding ourselves with positive influences and seeking fellow believers who encourage righteousness, we can avoid the negative influences that may lead us into drug abuse.