Beer is a common drink, but how should Christians view it? Today, we’ll see what the Bible teaches about drinking beer and honoring God with our decisions.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Drinking And Driving
What Does The Bible Say About Drinking Beer
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 come from being led astray by it. It encourages wisdom and discretion in regards to drinking.
Alcohol abuse can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual harm. As Christians, we are called to make wise choices and avoid anything that can potentially harm ourselves or others.
Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
This verse cautions against the excesses of alcohol and emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit instead. It encourages us to seek spiritual fulfillment rather than seeking temporary gratification through intoxication.
Getting drunk can cloud judgment, impair reasoning, and lead to sinful behavior. As believers, we are called to live a life that is pleasing to God and to seek His guidance and empowerment.
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 may have the freedom to engage in certain activities, not everything is beneficial or edifying. It advises us to refrain from being controlled or mastered by anything, including alcohol.
While moderate and responsible consumption of alcohol may not be inherently sinful, it is important to exercise self-control and discernment in all areas of our lives.
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 vividly depicts the consequences of excessive drinking. It describes the woes, sorrows, and confusion that can result from indulging in alcohol.
While not condemning alcohol in its entirety, this passage warns against the dangers of overindulgence and the potential for alcohol to lead to self-destructive behavior and addiction.
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 speaks to the importance of considering others when it comes to our choices and actions. It advises us to abstain from certain activities, such as drinking alcohol, if it may lead someone else to stumble or be tempted.
Our actions have an impact on those around us, and as followers of Christ, we should strive to live in a way that promotes unity, love, and the well-being of others.
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 as one of the sinful behaviors that can separate someone from inheriting the kingdom of God. It highlights the seriousness of alcohol abuse and its potential spiritual consequences.
While forgiveness is available through Christ, it is important to recognize the destructive nature of sinful behaviors and strive to live in accordance with God’s will.
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.
This passage advises against the excessive consumption of alcohol, particularly for those in positions of authority. It warns against the negative consequences that can result from drunkenness, such as forgetting responsibilities and failing to take care of the oppressed.
While this passage specifically addresses rulers and kings, the underlying message is applicable to all believers, urging us to exercise moderation and responsibility in our choices.
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 verse acknowledges the temporary comfort that alcohol may provide for those experiencing hardship or distress. It recognizes that some may turn to alcohol as a means of escape or relief from their difficulties.
While this verse does not condone or promote excessive drinking, it reflects the reality of human frailty and the ways in which people may seek solace in unhealthy ways.
1 Timothy 3:8
Deacons likewise must be worthy of respect, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
This verse provides guidelines for the character and behavior of deacons. It cautions against excessive drinking and also emphasizes the importance of integrity, warning against pursuing dishonest gain.
As representatives of the church, deacons are called to be examples of godly character and discipleship. This includes displaying self-control, moderation, and honesty in all aspects of their lives.
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
This verse reminds us that true worth and value come from having a reverence for the Lord. It contrasts the temporary and superficial qualities that the world often praises with the eternal significance of having a heart that fears and honors God.
As Christians, we are called to prioritize our relationship with God and to seek His approval above the fleeting standards of worldly beauty and charm.
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 passage lists the fruits of the Holy Spirit, which should be evident in the lives of believers. Self-control is one of these fruits, and it applies to all aspects of our lives, including our choices regarding alcohol consumption.
By allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us, we can exercise self-control and make wise, responsible decisions in all areas of our lives.
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 need to remain vigilant and alert in our spiritual lives. It advises us to be of sober mind, which includes refraining from excessive drinking, as it can impair our judgment and leave us vulnerable to attacks from the enemy.
The devil seeks to deceive, tempt, and destroy believers, and we must resist his schemes by staying grounded in the truth and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 104:14-15
He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.
This passage acknowledges the gifts of creation, including the provision of wine, which can bring joy and gladness to human hearts when enjoyed in moderation and with thankfulness.
While uplifting the enjoyment of wine, it is important to remember that responsible and moderate consumption is key, and we should maintain a heart of gratitude towards God for His abundant blessings.
Matthew 24:49-50
The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
This verse speaks of the consequences of unfaithfulness and disobedience. It serves as a warning that those who choose to indulge in excessive drinking or engage in sinful behavior will face severe judgment.
While forgiveness and redemption are available through Christ, we should be mindful of our actions and the potential eternal consequences they may carry.
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 calls believers to live lives characterized by decency and righteousness. It advises against engaging in carousing, drunkenness, and other immoral behaviors.
As followers of Christ, our conduct should reflect our commitment to Him. This includes practicing self-control, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and seeking to honor God in all areas of our lives.
Isaiah 28:7
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 speaks to the negative consequences of alcohol abuse, even among priests and prophets. It warns against the dangers of becoming intoxicated, which can impair judgment and spiritual discernment.
Regardless of one’s position or spiritual calling, it is a reminder that indulging in excessive drinking can have detrimental effects on one’s ability to fulfill their duties with wisdom and clarity.
Proverbs 23:20
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.
This verse advises against joining those who engage in excessive drinking or indulging in gluttony. It speaks to the importance of moderation and self-control in all areas of life.
By avoiding excessive behaviors, we can cultivate a lifestyle that promotes physical and spiritual well-being, as well as setting a positive example for others.
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
This verse reminds us that our actions, including our choices regarding food and drink, should ultimately be done to glorify God. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our lives with His will and seeking to honor Him in all that we do.
Therefore, when it comes to alcohol consumption, wisdom and discernment should be exercised, ensuring that our choices reflect our commitment to Christ and bring honor to His name.
Proverbs 21:17
Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.
This verse highlights the potential consequences of pursuing excessive pleasure, including the love of wine and indulgence in material luxuries. It warns against the dangers of prioritizing worldly desires over spiritual and financial stewardship.
As Christians, our focus should be on seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, rather than being driven by the pursuit of temporal pleasures.
1 Corinthians 6:10
nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
This verse identifies drunkards as one of several categories of people who will not inherit the kingdom of God. It emphasizes the need for believers to turn away from sinful behaviors, including excessive drinking.
While salvation is available through faith in Christ, this verse serves as a reminder of the transformative power of the Gospel and the call to live a life of obedience and holiness.
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 speaks to the negative consequences of encouraging excessive drinking and taking advantage of others in their vulnerable state.
As Christians, we are called to love and care for our neighbors, treating them with respect and dignity. Exploiting others for personal gain, especially through the misuse of alcohol, goes against the teachings of Christ.
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 warns against being consumed by worldly pursuits and the anxieties of life, including engaging in excessive drinking.
We are called to live with our hearts focused on things above, not being weighed down by temporary pleasures or worldly distractions. By keeping our priorities in line with God’s will, we can be prepared for the return of Christ.