The Bible mentions drinking in many contexts, from celebration to caution. Today, we’ll explore what God’s Word says about the role of drink in our lives.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Drinking Alcoholic Beverages
What Does The Bible Say About Drink
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 the negative consequences that can result from excessive drinking. It emphasizes the importance of wisdom and self-control in avoiding the allure of intoxication.
We should be cautious not to let alcohol control our lives or lead us astray from wise decision-making and righteous living.
Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Here, Paul advises believers to avoid excessive drinking, as it can lead to immoral and reckless behavior. Instead, he encourages us to seek spiritual fulfillment and guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Being filled with the Spirit refers to allowing God’s presence and influence to fill our lives, guiding our actions and decisions in a way that honors Him.
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.”
This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of excessive drinking. It describes the negative consequences that come from indulging in alcohol, including woe, sorrow, strife, and physical ailments.
By highlighting the potential harms of alcohol, this verse encourages us to be mindful of our choices and the impact they can have on our well-being.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“…nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse reveals that those who persistently engage in drunkenness will not inherit the kingdom of God. It underscores the seriousness of the sin and the need for repentance and transformation.
It serves as a reminder that our actions have eternal consequences and that living a life characterized by drunkenness is incompatible with the righteousness of God’s kingdom.
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 includes drunkenness in a list of behaviors that are contrary to the spirit of God’s kingdom. This verse reinforces the idea that persistently engaging in drunkenness can jeopardize our inheritance of eternal life.
It emphasizes the importance of living a life that is aligned with God’s principles and values, avoiding behaviors that lead us away from His purposes.
Proverbs 21:17
“Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.”
This verse cautions against prioritizing worldly pleasures, such as excessive drinking, over responsible stewardship of resources. It warns that those who pursue indulgence will face financial consequences and lack true prosperity.
It encourages us to seek fulfillment and contentment in godly virtues rather than seeking temporary satisfaction through excessive consumption.
Proverbs 31:4-7
“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. 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.”
In this passage, Lemuel is advised against indulging in alcohol as a ruler. The warning suggests that consuming alcohol can impair judgment and lead to neglecting the needs and rights of the oppressed.
It underscores the importance of leaders maintaining clear minds and making wise decisions that prioritize justice and the well-being of their subjects.
1 Peter 4:3
“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.”
This verse emphasizes the need for believers to break free from their former sinful habits, which may include drunkenness, and embrace a new way of life in Christ.
It serves as a reminder that our identity as Christians calls us to live differently from the ways of the world, rejecting behaviors that are opposed to God’s standards of holiness.
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.”
The apostle Paul instructs that deacons, who hold positions of leadership and service in the church, should exercise self-control in their consumption of wine. They are to be examples of integrity and avoid pursuing personal gain in their service.
It highlights the importance of leaders in the church modeling disciplined and honorable behavior in all aspects of their lives.
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.”
This verse rebukes those who prioritize alcohol and excessive drinking above all else, even to the point of neglecting their responsibilities and relationships.
It serves as a reminder to prioritize wise choices and self-control, avoiding the destructive patterns of behavior associated with overindulgence.
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.”
Paul encourages believers to consider the impact of their actions on others, particularly in matters of personal conviction and lifestyle choices. He advises avoiding actions that may lead others into temptation or compromise their faith.
This verse reminds us to uphold the principle of love and selflessness, seeking to build up and support one another in our walk with Christ.
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 passage recognizes alcohol as a means of temporary escape from hardship and suffering. It implies that those who are in great distress may seek solace in drink.
However, it is important to note that this verse does not condone or promote excessive drinking, but rather acknowledges the human desire to find relief from pain and adversity.
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.”
In this verse, God instructs Aaron and his sons, the priests, not to consume alcohol before entering the tent of meeting. This command highlights the need for purity and reverence in their priestly duties.
It reminds us of the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect, setting ourselves apart from worldly indulgences that may hinder our worship and service to Him.
Deuteronomy 14:26
“Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice.”
While this verse allows for the purchase of wine and other fermented drinks for celebratory purposes, it is important to understand the context. The emphasis is on joyfully acknowledging and sharing God’s blessings in the presence of the Lord.
It underscores the importance of gratitude and celebration, but also reminds us to exercise moderation and not let indulgence overshadow our devotion to God.
Hosea 4:11
“Old and new wine take away their understanding.”
This verse highlights the negative effects of excessive drinking, suggesting that it can impair one’s judgment and reasoning.
It serves as a cautionary reminder to exercise self-control and avoid behaviors that hinder our ability to think clearly and make wise decisions.
Luke 7:34
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’”
This verse recounts how Jesus, being criticized by the religious leaders of the time, was unjustly labeled as a glutton and a drunkard due to his association with those deemed as sinners.
It challenges the religious prejudices that can lead to judgment and reminds us of the importance of showing love and acceptance to all, regardless of their background or struggles.
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 urges believers to live according to the highest moral standards, avoiding behaviors associated with debauchery, including drunkenness, as it detracts from a life lived in Christ.
It reminds us of the call to holiness and the need to resist succumbing to worldly desires that can conflict with God’s purposes for our lives.
1 Samuel 1:14
“…and said to her, ‘How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.’”
Eli, the priest, rebukes Hannah for appearing to be intoxicated while praying in the tabernacle. It reveals the importance of approaching God with a clear mind and a sincere heart.
This verse serves as a reminder to maintain reverence and sobriety in our worship and communication with the Lord.
Titus 2:3
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.”
Paul instructs Titus to teach older women to live with reverence, avoiding excessive wine consumption and other behaviors that can tarnish their character.
This verse highlights the importance of setting a positive example and using wisdom in our choices, particularly as we grow older and influence those around us.
Proverbs 31:4
“It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer.”
King Lemuel is advised against indulging in alcohol, emphasizing the need for those in positions of authority to exercise self-control and maintain clear judgment.
It serves as a reminder that leaders carry a responsibility to make wise and just decisions, free from the impairments that excessive drinking can bring.
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 highlights the negative consequences of excessive drinking, even among religious leaders. It portrays their impaired judgment and lack of discernment.
It serves as a warning against the dangers of allowing alcohol to cloud our minds and influence our ability to fulfill our spiritual roles with clarity and wisdom.
1 Timothy 3:3
“Not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”
Paul outlines the qualifications for pastors and leaders within the church, including the requirement of not being given to drunkenness.
It underscores the importance of leaders embodying self-control, gentleness, and a focus on spiritual matters rather than worldly pursuits.
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 harmful consequences of excessive drinking, as it can lead to poverty and a lack of self-discipline. It cautions against overindulgence and encourages moderation.
It emphasizes the importance of balanced and responsible living, avoiding the pitfalls of drunkenness and gluttony.