Drinking and smoking are common social activities, but they come with significant health risks. Whether it’s occasional indulgence or a daily habit, understanding the consequences of alcohol and tobacco use can help you make more informed choices about your well-being.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Eating Eggs
What Does The Bible Say About Drinking And Smoking
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
This verse speaks to the dangers of excessive drinking and its negative effects on judgment and wisdom. It warns against being led astray by the allure of alcohol, emphasizing the importance of making wise choices.
Proverbs 20:1 serves as a reminder that indulging in excessive drinking can have detrimental consequences on one’s life and relationships. It encourages individuals to exercise self-control and make wise decisions regarding alcohol consumption.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
This verse highlights the importance of respecting and taking care of our bodies, as they are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that we are not our own, but rather we belong to God and should honor Him with our bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 encourages Christians to consider the implications of their actions on their physical well-being and spiritual walk with God. It reminds us to make choices that align with God’s will and bring glory to Him in all aspects of our lives, including how we treat our bodies.
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 cautions against excessive drinking and overindulgence. It warns of the negative consequences that follow such behavior, including poverty and a lack of self-control.
Proverbs 23:20-21 serves as a reminder to exercise moderation in both eating and drinking. It encourages us to make wise choices and be mindful of our actions and habits in order to avoid the destructive effects that can result from excessive indulgence.
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 highlights the importance of being sober-minded and vigilant. It reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle and that our adversary, the devil, is actively seeking to tempt and destroy us.
1 Peter 5:8 urges Christians to stay alert and avoid behaviors or substances that impair our judgment and ability to resist temptation. It is a call to remain focused on God and reject anything that may hinder our relationship with Him.
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 provides a comprehensive list of sinful actions and behaviors that are contrary to God’s will. It emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God, warning against engaging in such sinful activities.
Galatians 5:19-21 calls Christians to turn away from the works of the flesh and instead live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It serves as a reminder that our choices and actions have eternal consequences and should align with God’s standards.
Titus 2:11-12
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.”
This verse speaks of the transformative power of God’s grace that leads to salvation. It teaches that God’s grace empowers us to reject ungodly behaviors and live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.
Titus 2:11-12 reminds believers that their lives should reflect the transformative work of God’s grace. It encourages self-control and an upright lifestyle that is marked by godliness, contrasting with the worldly passions of this present age.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of living our lives in a way that brings glory to God. It reminds us that even in the most mundane activities, such as eating and drinking, we should be mindful of our actions and their impact on our witness for Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:31 calls Christians to consider the motives and intentions behind their choices. It invites us to align our behaviors with God’s will and make decisions that honor Him in all aspects of our lives.
Proverbs 21:17
“Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.”
This verse warns against pursuing pleasure and material indulgence to the point of neglecting one’s responsibilities and well-being. It cautions that the pursuit of temporary pleasure can lead to poverty and lack of true richness.
Proverbs 21:17 encourages Christians to prioritize the pursuit of God’s will and truth rather than seeking momentary pleasure. It serves as a reminder that true riches and contentment are found in a life surrendered to God, not in the temporary pleasures of this world.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Don’t you 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.”
This verse emphasizes the sacredness of our bodies as God’s temple, in which His Spirit dwells. It warns against defiling or destroying the temple of God, highlighting the serious consequences that come with such actions.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 calls believers to honor and respect their bodies as vessels of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that we are accountable to God for how we treat our bodies, urging us to make choices that align with His purpose and bring glory to 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. 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 paints a vivid picture of the destructive consequences of excessive drinking. It describes the physical, mental, and emotional toll that alcohol abuse can have on individuals, leading to woe, sorrow, and a lack of control.
Proverbs 23:29-35 serves as a powerful warning against the allure of alcohol and the deceptive nature of its effects. It highlights the need for self-control and discernment, urging individuals to avoid the path that leads to ruin and instead choose a life of wisdom and sobriety.
Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
This verse cautions against the excessive consumption of alcohol, which can lead to sinful and reckless behavior. It contrasts the destructive consequences of drunkenness with the positive transformation that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 encourages believers to seek spiritual fulfillment and guidance from the Holy Spirit rather than seeking temporary satisfaction through excess drinking. It calls for a life marked by self-control and the influence of the Holy Spirit, leading to actions and attitudes that glorify God.
Romans 12:1-2
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This passage challenges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, wholly devoted and pleasing to God. It exhorts them to resist conforming to the sinful patterns of the world and instead seek transformation through the renewing of their minds.
Romans 12:1-2 emphasizes the need for a holistic surrender of our bodies and minds to God. It highlights the importance of aligning our thoughts, actions, and choices with His will, allowing His transforming power to shape every aspect of our lives.
Matthew 15:11
“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
This verse challenges the belief that external actions alone determine a person’s purity. It highlights the significance of our inner thoughts and the words we speak as indicators of our true nature.
Matthew 15:11 reminds believers that true purity and righteousness come from a heart transformed by God. It emphasizes the importance of guarding our hearts and nurturing godly thoughts and speech, recognizing that these have a greater impact on our spiritual well-being than external behaviors alone.
Proverbs 20:1-2
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. A king’s wrath strikes terror like the roar of a lion; those who anger him forfeit their lives.”
These verses provide a metaphorical comparison between the negative effects of alcohol and the consequences of provoking the anger of a king. They caution against being led astray by the allure of alcohol and warn of the severe repercussions that may follow.
Proverbs 20:1-2 highlight the importance of wisdom in making choices that align with God’s principles. They urge believers to exercise self-control and discernment, recognizing the potential harm that can come from indulging in excessive drinking or behavior that stirs up anger.
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 serves as a warning against the distractions and excesses of life that can weigh down our hearts and hinder our spiritual readiness. It emphasizes the need for vigilance and avoiding behaviors, such as carousing and drunkenness, that can lead to spiritual complacency.
Luke 21:34 calls believers to be mindful of their spiritual priorities and not allow the anxieties and temptations of this world to distract them from their relationship with God. It encourages us to live with a sense of urgency, always prepared for the return of Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse lists a variety of sinful behaviors, including drunkenness, and declares that those who engage in such actions will not inherit the kingdom of God. It underscores the need for repentance and a transformed life that is marked by righteousness.
1 Corinthians 6:10 serves as a reminder that our choices and actions have eternal consequences. It calls believers to examine their lives and turn away from behaviors that are contrary to God’s will, surrendering to His transformative power and living in accordance with His Word.
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.”
This passage offers counsel to a ruler, cautioning against excessive drinking and the potential negative impact it can have on their ability to govern justly. It highlights the importance of maintaining a clear mind and not allowing personal indulgence to hinder one’s responsibilities.
Proverbs 31:4-5 reminds believers of the importance of self-discipline and the necessity of making wise choices, particularly in positions of authority or influence. It emphasizes the need to prioritize righteousness and justice above personal pleasures and desires.
1 Timothy 5:23
“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”
In this verse, Paul offers advice to Timothy regarding his health issues. It suggests that a little wine may be used for medicinal purposes, acknowledging its potential benefits in specific circumstances.
1 Timothy 5:23 reminds believers to approach matters of health and well-being with wisdom and discernment. It encourages moderation and the cautious use of substances for legitimate purposes, while also urging a holistic reliance on God for healing and strength.
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 allure of wine and its transient pleasures. It describes the deceptive nature of alcohol, comparing its effects to that of a venomous snake.
Proverbs 23:31-32 calls believers to exercise discernment and caution when faced with temptation, recognizing the potential harm that can come from indulging in excessive drinking. It serves as a reminder to prioritize the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and lasting joy over temporary pleasures.
1 Peter 4:3-4
“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. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you.”
These verses speak to the transformed lives of believers compared to their former way of life. They highlight the contrast between the sinful behaviors associated with paganism and the call to live a holy and distinct existence.
1 Peter 4:3-4 encourages Christians to resist the pressure to conform to the sinful patterns of the world and instead live in a manner that reflects the transformative power of God’s grace. It acknowledges that such a lifestyle may invite criticism and persecution from those who do not understand or appreciate the redemptive work of 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.”
These verses express a sentiment often found in the book of Proverbs, cautioning against the excessive use of alcohol as a means of escape from life’s hardships. They acknowledge that alcohol may provide temporary relief but ultimately fails to address the deeper issues.
Proverbs 31:6-7 offers a perspective on the use of alcohol in times of distress. It invites believers to seek God’s comfort and hope instead of relying on substances that cannot truly bring lasting peace. It emphasizes the need to face and address life’s challenges with wisdom and trust in God.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
This verse provides a list of the qualities and virtues that are produced by the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers. It contrasts the works of the flesh mentioned earlier in Galatians 5 with the fruit of the Spirit, indicating the transforming power of God’s presence in our lives.
Galatians 5:22-23 encourages Christians to cultivate these qualities in their lives, including self-control. It serves as a reminder that the Holy Spirit empowers us to make choices that align with God’s will and exhibit a lifestyle marked by righteousness.
Proverbs 23:20
“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 cautions against the dangers of excessive drinking and overindulgence in general. It warns of the negative consequences that can result from such behavior, emphasizing the need for self-discipline and moderation.
Proverbs 23:20 urges believers to exercise self-control and temperance in their choices and behaviors. It reminds us to prioritize our physical and spiritual well-being over momentary indulgence, recognizing that such excesses can lead to poverty and the loss of self-control.