Drinking is a topic the Bible addresses with caution and insight. We’ll explore how Scripture views alcohol, encouraging balance and mindful choices.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Asking For Help From Others
What Does The Bible Say About Drinking
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
This verse emphasizes the negative consequences of excessive drinking. It warns against being deceived by the influence of alcohol, highlighting the importance of wisdom and self-control in making responsible choices.
Alcohol can distort judgment and lead to destructive behavior. It is crucial to be mindful of the potential harm caused by excessive drinking and to exercise wisdom in making decisions regarding alcohol consumption.
Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
This verse instructs believers to avoid drunkenness and instead be filled with the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining self-control and being guided by the Spirit of God rather than being under the influence of alcohol.
Being filled with the Spirit involves surrendering to God’s will and allowing His presence and power to fill and guide our lives. This verse reminds Christians to prioritize their spiritual well-being over indulging in excessive drinking, which can lead to immoral and irresponsible behavior.
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 individuals who will not inherit the kingdom of God. It highlights the seriousness of habitual drunkenness and its potential impact on one’s spiritual standing.
Being a drunkard goes against the principles of God’s kingdom, which include self-control, love, and righteousness. This verse serves as a reminder to Christians of the importance of living in accordance with God’s standards and avoiding behaviors that can lead to spiritual separation from 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.”
These verses describe the negative consequences of excessive drinking, highlighting the physical, emotional, and relational turmoil that can result from indulging in alcohol.
The imagery used in this passage paints a vivid picture of the negative effects of overindulgence, warning against the allure of alcohol and its potential to bring pain and destruction into a person’s life.
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.”
These verses caution leaders against the consumption of alcohol, highlighting how it can impair judgment and hinder their ability to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
The role of leaders is crucial in upholding justice, protecting the rights of the oppressed, and making wise decisions. This verse serves as a reminder for those in positions of authority to prioritize sobriety and avoid the potential negative consequences of alcohol consumption.
Proverbs 21:17
“Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.”
This verse warns against the love of pleasure and indulgence, specifically mentioning the love of wine. It highlights how prioritizing worldly pleasures can lead to spiritual and material poverty.
When pleasure-seeking becomes the focus of one’s life, it can lead to unwise financial choices and a lack of self-control. This verse encourages Christians to seek true riches in a relationship with God rather than pursuing fleeting pleasures that can bring ultimate emptiness.
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.”
These verses warn against the excessive consumption of both alcohol and food. They highlight the negative consequences of gluttony and drunkenness, including financial instability and a lack of physical well-being.
Excessive indulgence can lead to a lack of self-discipline and poor decision-making, resulting in physical, emotional, and spiritual poverty. This passage encourages moderation and self-control in all areas of life.
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.”
These verses caution against being enticed by the allure of wine, emphasizing its potential to cause harm and destruction.
Although wine may seem enticing and pleasurable, excessive consumption can lead to addiction, ruin relationships, and have detrimental physical and spiritual effects. This passage warns against being deceived by the initial appeal of wine and encourages Christians to exercise caution and discernment when it comes to alcohol.
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 instructs believers to live in a manner that reflects decency and moral integrity. It specifically mentions avoiding carousing and drunkenness, highlighting how such behaviors can lead to other sinful actions and attitudes.
Intoxication can impair judgment and lead to poor decision-making, making it easier for individuals to engage in immoral behavior. This verse calls Christians to live in a way that honors God, setting aside drunkenness and embracing a life characterized by love and unity.
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.”
This verse lists drunkenness among a range of sinful behaviors and makes it clear that those who habitually engage in such actions will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Continual drunkenness goes against the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life and indicates a refusal to align one’s conduct with God’s principles of righteousness and self-control. This verse serves as a reminder to Christians of the importance of consistently living in accordance with God’s standards.
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 denounces the pursuit of excessive drinking and the prioritization of alcohol above all else. It warns of the consequences that come from indulging in drinking to the point of becoming intoxicated.
When alcohol becomes a person’s primary focus, it can lead to neglect of responsibilities, relationships, and ultimately a lack of self-control. This verse serves as a reminder to Christians to prioritize their time, energy, and resources in a manner that aligns with God’s will.
Luke 21:34
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”
This verse cautions believers against being weighed down by drunkenness, excessive indulgence, and the worries and cares of life. It emphasizes the importance of remaining spiritually alert and prepared for the return of Jesus Christ.
Carousing and drunkenness can distract and hinder believers from faithfully following Christ and living out their purpose. This verse reminds Christians to focus on the eternal significance of their choices and to live with a sense of urgency and readiness for Christ’s return.
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 encourages believers to leave behind their former way of life, which may have included sinful behaviors such as drunkenness, and to instead pursue a life that aligns with God’s will and purposes.
As followers of Christ, Christians are called to live differently from the world and to reject the vices and excesses that characterize a life separated from God. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize holiness and to strive for a transformed lifestyle.
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.”
This verse instructs older women to avoid addictive behavior and to live in a manner that is honorable and uplifting to others.
Excessive drinking can negatively impact an individual’s reputation and hinder their ability to effectively teach and model godliness. This verse reminds believers of the importance of spiritual maturity and being a positive example to others.
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.”
This verse sets standards for deacons within the church, including the requirement of not indulging in excessive wine consumption.
Deacons play a significant role in serving and leading the congregation, and it is essential for them to demonstrate self-control and integrity. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a lifestyle that reflects the character of Christ.
1 Timothy 3:3
“Not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”
This verse presents qualities that should be characteristic of overseers in the church. It emphasizes the importance of leaders avoiding drunkenness and instead displaying gentleness, peacefulness, and contentment.
Leaders within the church are called to be examples to others, and living a life free from excess, including excessive drinking, is crucial in fulfilling this responsibility. This verse encourages leaders to prioritize humility and spiritual discipline.
Habakkuk 2:15
“Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk so that he can gaze on their naked bodies!”
This verse pronounces judgment on those who encourage and enable excessive drinking, particularly with malicious intent or for personal gain.
Exploiting others through the provision of alcohol and taking advantage of their vulnerability is contrary to God’s principles of love and respect for one another. This verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of treating others with dignity and avoiding actions that lead to harm.
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.”
These verses present a somewhat paradoxical perspective on the use of alcohol. They acknowledge that alcohol can bring temporary relief or escape from difficult circumstances and hardship.
However, it is important to note that this passage does not condone excessive or irresponsible drinking. Rather, it recognizes the reality that some may turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism, but ultimately encourages finding true solace and restoration in God’s presence.
Lamentations 3:15
“He has filled me with bitter herbs and sated me with gall.”
This verse reflects on the experiences of suffering and sorrow, using metaphorical language to describe the impact of these trials.
While not directly referring to drinking, this verse portrays the bitter taste and unpleasantness associated with suffering. It serves as a reminder that seeking solace in excessive drinking or other temporary measures cannot truly bring lasting comfort or healing. Instead, Christians are encouraged to find their hope and strength in God throughout challenging circumstances.
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 verse paints a vivid picture of the negative effects of alcohol, even on religious leaders. It describes how excessive drinking can impair judgment and hinder the ability to carry out their spiritual responsibilities.
Despite their role as spiritual guides, priests and prophets are not immune to the consequences of indulgence. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of self-discipline and maintaining an alert and focused mind when fulfilling spiritual leadership roles.
Isaiah 5:22
“Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks.”
This verse issues a warning to those who take pride in their ability to consume large quantities of alcohol or who excel in mixing strong drinks.
Instead of celebrating excessive drinking or promoting a culture of intoxication, Christians are encouraged to pursue noble virtues and behaviors that align with God’s principles. This verse challenges individuals to rethink their priorities and redirect their focus towards what is pleasing to God.
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.”
This verse highlights the importance of considering the impact of our actions on others, particularly when it comes to issues of conscience and personal conviction.
While drinking alcohol in moderation may not be inherently sinful, this verse calls Christians to exercise caution and self-restraint for the sake of their brothers and sisters in Christ. It encourages believers to prioritize love and unity in the body of Christ over personal freedoms that may be stumbling blocks to others.
Matthew 26:41
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
This verse, although not explicitly about drinking, underscores the importance of vigilance and prayer to avoid falling into temptation and making choices that go against God’s will.
While individuals may have good intentions and a desire to honor God, the natural weakness of the flesh can make it challenging to resist the allure of excessive drinking or other sinful behaviors. This verse encourages Christians to remain watchful, leaning on God’s strength, and seeking His guidance to stay on the path of righteousness.