The Bible warns us about the dangers of drinking too much. Today, we’ll see what God’s Word says about alcohol and how it can affect us. By understanding these teachings, we learn to make choices that honor Him and protect our well-being.
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What Does The Bible Say About Drunkards
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
This verse warns against the dangers of alcohol and the deception it can bring. It emphasizes that those who are deceived by alcohol are lacking in wisdom.
Proverbs 23:29-35
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.”
This passage depicts the consequences of excessive drinking. It describes the woes, sorrows, and conflicts that come with indulging in alcohol. Additionally, it warns against being enticed by the appearance and allure of wine, as it can have a harmful impact in the end.
Isaiah 5:11
“Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!”
This verse condemns those who prioritize alcohol and spend their days consumed by its influence. It highlights the detrimental effects of excessive drinking, leading to a woe-filled lifestyle.
Ephesians 5:18
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
Here, believers are urged to avoid drunkenness and excess in wine. Instead, they are encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of spiritual fulfillment over indulgence in alcohol.
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
This verse lists drunkenness as a behavior that excludes individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God. It demonstrates the serious consequences of persistent alcohol abuse.
Galatians 5:21
“Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Here, drunkenness is mentioned as one of the works of the flesh that prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God. It emphasizes that such behaviors are incompatible with a life lived in accordance with God’s will.
Proverbs 21:17
“He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.”
This verse suggests that those who prioritize pleasure and indulgence in alcohol will experience poverty. It serves as a caution against seeking temporary pleasure instead of investing in long-term prosperity.
Luke 21:34
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”
Jesus warns his disciples to be watchful and avoid a lifestyle of excess, including drunkenness. The verse emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and not letting worldly distractions hinder their readiness for the coming of the Lord.
Romans 13:13
“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
This verse encourages believers to conduct themselves with integrity, avoiding indulgence in revelry, drunkenness, immorality, strife, and envy. It emphasizes the importance of a righteous and honorable lifestyle.
Titus 2:3
“The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;”
Paul advises older women to exhibit behavior that aligns with holiness, which includes refraining from excessive wine consumption. Furthermore, they are encouraged to be teachers of good principles and behaviors.
Proverbs 31:4-5
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.”
This passage advises against the consumption of alcohol by kings and princes, as it may lead to forgetting the law and perverting justice. It highlights the importance of clear-mindedness and righteous leadership.
1 Peter 4:3-4
“For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:”
Believers are reminded that their past indulgence in excessive wine, revelries, and immoral behavior should be enough. They are to live differently from those who live in excess, even if it means being spoken ill of by others.
Habakkuk 2:15
“Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!”
This verse condemns those who cause their neighbors to become drunk and participate in immoral behavior. It warns against being a stumbling block to others and inciting sinful actions.
1 Timothy 3:3
“Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;”
Paul lays out the qualifications for overseers in the church, including the requirement of not being given to wine. This highlights the importance of church leaders setting a righteous example and exercising self-control.
Proverbs 31:6-7
“Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.”
In contrast to the warnings against drunkenness, this verse suggests the use of strong drink for those on the brink of death or those who are burdened with sorrow. It speaks to the temporary relief it may provide in certain circumstances.
Romans 14:21
“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.”
Believers are encouraged to be mindful of their actions and choices, avoiding behaviors that could cause their brothers and sisters in Christ to stumble or be weakened in their faith. This includes refraining from actions that may encourage excessive drinking.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
This verse exhorts believers to be alert, self-controlled, and clear-minded. It reminds them that Satan seeks to devour those who are not watchful and sober, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in the spiritual battle.
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”
These verses caution against associating with those who indulge in excessive eating and drinking. It warns of the eventual consequences of poverty and destitution that can result from such lifestyle choices.
1 Corinthians 5:11
“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”
Paul instructs believers not to associate with those who claim to be brothers but engage in various sinful behaviors, including being a drunkard. This serves as a reminder to maintain a separation from those who persistently walk in unrepentant sin.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This passage lists various works of the flesh, including drunkenness, as behaviors that are contrary to the life of the Spirit. It warns that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Proverbs 31:30
“Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”
In this verse, the focus is on the importance of inner qualities and true reverence for the Lord, rather than external factors such as indulgence in alcohol. It encourages the praise of women who fear the Lord rather than those who prioritize worldly attractiveness.
Proverbs 20:1-2
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.”
These verses serve to reinforce the dangers of alcohol and the lack of wisdom in being deceived by it. They also compare the fear of a king to the roaring of a lion, cautioning against provoking anger that could have self-destructive consequences.
Proverbs 23:29-30
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.”
This passage vividly portrays the negative effects of excessive drinking, such as woe, sorrow, conflicts, babbling, and physical harm. It serves as a warning against prolonged indulgence in and pursuit of alcoholic beverages.
Romans 13:13
“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life, free from indulgence in orgies, drunkenness, sexual immorality, sensuality, and other negative behaviors. Believers are called to walk in the light and avoid actions that lead to discord and envy.
1 Timothy 3:8
“Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;”
Paul provides guidelines for deacons, emphasizing their need to be serious, honest, and abstaining from excessive wine consumption. It underscores the importance of self-control and avoiding greed when serving in leadership positions.
Isaiah 28:7
“But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.”
This passage criticizes the misuse of alcohol and its negative impact on both priests and prophets. It highlights how excessive drinking can lead to impaired vision and compromised judgment.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
This verse reminds believers to live their lives in a way that glorifies God, including their choices regarding eating and drinking. It encourages them to be mindful of their actions and ensure they align with God’s purpose.