Drinking can bring joy or trouble, depending on how it’s done. Today, we’ll discuss what the Bible says about drinkers and how to honor God in this area.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Drink
What Does The Bible Say About Drinkers
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 warns against the excessive indulgence and pursuit of alcohol. It highlights the consequences and dangers of prioritizing drinking above all else, leading to negative behaviors and a lack of self-control.
The prophet Isaiah admonishes those who prioritize alcohol over their responsibilities and live in a constant state of intoxication. It serves as a reminder to approach alcohol consumption with moderation and responsibility.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
In this verse, the writer of Proverbs warns against the deceptive nature of alcohol. Wine and beer are personified as mockers and brawlers, implying that they can lead people astray and cause foolish actions.
It emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discernment in relation to drinking. Those who are easily led astray by the influence of alcohol lack wisdom, suggesting that excessive drinking can impair judgment and lead to unwise decisions.
Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
This verse points out the negative consequences of drunkenness and debauchery. It advises against excessive alcohol consumption that can lead to moral decay and irresponsible behavior.
Instead of seeking drunkenness, the verse encourages believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit, which promotes spiritual growth, self-control, and a life of virtue.
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 passage warns against both excessive drinking and overindulgence in food. It highlights the correlation between drunkenness, gluttony, and financial ruin.
The proverb advises against joining those who engage in excessive drinking and indulgence, as it can lead to negative consequences such as poverty and a lack of productivity.
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 a list of sinful behaviors and warns that those who engage in such actions will not inherit the kingdom of God.
It emphasizes the importance of living a transformed and righteous life, avoiding behaviors that display a lack of self-control, and instead pursuing a life that aligns with God’s will.
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.
In this passage, King Lemuel is advised against excessive alcohol consumption. It suggests that rulers should avoid drinking in order to maintain clear judgment and make just decisions.
The verse cautions against the negative effects of alcohol, such as forgetfulness and neglecting the rights of the oppressed. It emphasizes the importance of leaders maintaining sobriety and responsibility in their leadership roles.
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 reminds believers to leave behind their former sinful lifestyles. It lists drunkenness as one of the behaviors that characterized their previous lives before accepting Christ.
It serves as a call to live a transformed life, turning away from sinful indulgences and instead pursuing a life of holiness and righteousness.
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.
In this passage, the apostle Paul includes drunkenness among a list of sinful deeds that prevent inheritance of the kingdom of God.
It highlights the severity of engaging in such behaviors and emphasizes the need for believers to pursue a life marked by the fruit of the Spirit rather than indulging in sinful desires.
Proverbs 21:17
Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.
This proverb presents a warning against the pursuit of pleasure and material indulgence. It suggests that those who prioritize pleasure, including the love for wine, may suffer financially.
It teaches the importance of balance, self-discipline, and recognizing the potential consequences of excessive desire for worldly pleasures.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
These words from the book of Proverbs depict wine and beer as substances that can cause mockery and brawling. They act as cautionary words, reminding believers of the potential negative effects of indulging in excessive alcohol consumption.
The verse serves as a reminder to exercise wisdom and discernment in relation to alcohol, discouraging those who may be easily led astray by the intoxicating influence of these beverages.
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 vividly describes the consequences of excessive drinking and its effects on physical, emotional, and relational well-being.
It serves as a warning against the detrimental outcomes of lingering over wine and indulging in mixed beverages, emphasizing the importance of moderation and self-control when it comes to alcohol consumption.
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.
In this verse, there is a recognition that alcohol can serve as a temporary escape from hardship and pain. It acknowledges that some may turn to alcohol in times of distress to find momentary relief.
However, it also highlights that this is not a healthy or lasting solution, as it does not address the root causes of suffering. It encourages believers to seek true comfort and healing in God rather than relying on substances.
Proverbs 23:20
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.
This verse advises against associating with those who engage in excessive drinking and overindulgence in food.
It emphasizes the importance of choosing one’s companions wisely and avoiding situations that may tempt one to participate in unhealthy or excessive behaviors.
1 Timothy 3:8
Deacons, likewise, are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
Within the context of the qualifications for deacons, this verse highlights the importance of avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
Deacons are called to be respected, sincere, and free from the temptation to pursue dishonest gain. This involves exercising self-control and moderation, including abstaining from excessive wine consumption.
Proverbs 23:31-32
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.
This verse warns against being captivated by the appeal and allure of wine. It cautions against fixating on its enticing appearance and taste without considering the potential destructive consequences.
It serves as a reminder to approach alcohol with caution and to be aware of its potential to cause harm if not consumed responsibly.
Proverbs 23:33
Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things.
Connected to the previous verse, this verse highlights the cognitive and perceptual impairments that alcohol can cause.
It speaks to the potential disorientation and confusion that can arise from excessive drinking, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clear and sober mind.
Proverbs 23:34
You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.
This verse continues to describe the negative effects of excessive drinking, comparing the individual to a person asleep in a precarious position on a ship.
It symbolizes the vulnerability, lack of control, and potential danger that come with intoxication. It reminds believers to avoid putting themselves in situations where they may become spiritually or physically shipwrecked.
Proverbs 23:35
“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 verse portrays the addictive nature of excessive drinking and its consequences.
It depicts a person who has become desensitized to physical pain and has developed a dependency on alcohol. It serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive cycle of addiction and the need for intervention and redemption.
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.
Instructing older women on righteous living and setting a positive example, this verse encourages them to avoid being addicted to excessive wine consumption.
It highlights the importance of living a life marked by self-control, avoiding slanderous speech, and embracing the responsibility of teaching and modeling good behavior to others.
1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler.
In this verse, the apostle Paul instructs believers to refrain from associating with, or enabling, those who claim to be part of the Christian community but persist in sinful behaviors, including drunkenness.
It underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual integrity and avoiding close relationships with those who do not exhibit a transformed life in Christ.
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.
Paul encourages believers to live lives characterized by righteousness and moral decency.
He specifically discourages engaging in carousing, drunkenness, sexual immorality, debauchery, dissension, and jealousy. This verse serves as a reminder to conduct ourselves in a manner that aligns with our identity as children of light.
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Proverbs uses vivid and descriptive language to convey the danger of excessive alcohol consumption.
It portrays wine as a mocker, suggesting that it can lead to ridicule and foolishness, while presenting beer as a brawler, symbolizing the potential for violence and conflict. The verse urges individuals to exercise wisdom and self-control in order to avoid being led astray by the effects of alcohol.
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 verse paints a vivid picture of the negative consequences that accompany excessive alcohol consumption.
It describes the various forms of suffering that can arise from indulging in wine and mixed beverages, such as physical damage, emotional distress, and relational conflicts. This serves as a cautionary reminder to exercise moderation and avoid the perils associated with excessive drinking.
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.
In this passage, King Lemuel is advised against the consumption of alcohol for rulers and leaders.
It highlights the potential dangers that excessive drinking poses, particularly for those in positions of authority. It warns against forgetting one’s responsibilities and failing to advocate for the rights of the oppressed due to the impairing effects of alcohol.
Proverbs 21:17
Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.
This verse speaks to the dangers of pursuing earthly pleasures, including a love for wine and indulgence in materialistic desires.
It implies that excessive love for such pleasures can lead to financial ruin and an inability to attain true wealth and prosperity. It underscores the importance of prioritizing eternal values over temporary indulgences.