Smoking is a habit that’s been glamorized in the past, but today, we understand the health risks it poses. Whether you’re trying to quit or supporting someone who is, understanding the effects of smoking is the first step toward making healthier choices.
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What Does The Bible Say About smoking
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 emphasizes the importance of taking care of our bodies as they are temples of the Holy Spirit. Smoking can harm our physical health and is not honoring to God, who has given us these bodies as a gift. It is our responsibility to treat our bodies with respect and make choices that promote good health and well-being.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
As believers, we are considered to be the temples of God, and our bodies are His dwelling place. Smoking damages our bodies, which are meant to be holy and set apart for God’s purposes. We need to be mindful of the choices we make regarding our bodies and strive to keep them pure and free from harmful habits that can hinder our relationship with the Lord.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
This verse reminds us that everything we do, including our choices in eating and drinking, should be done to bring glory to God. Smoking, being a harmful habit, does not glorify God and can have negative effects on our health. Therefore, it is important to consider how our actions align with our commitment to bring honor to God in all aspects of our lives.
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
As followers of Christ, our bodies are meant to be living sacrifices, offered to God as an act of worship. Smoking goes against this principle of offering ourselves wholly to God because it harms our bodies, which should be presented as holy and acceptable to Him. It is crucial that we prioritize the well-being and health of our bodies in obedience to God’s calling for us.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is self-control. Smoking can often be an addiction that hinders our ability to exercise self-control. It is important for believers to rely on the power of the Spirit to overcome such addictions and demonstrate self-control in all areas of their lives, including habits that can negatively impact their health and well-being.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
This verse speaks more directly about alcohol consumption, but the message can be applied to smoking as well. Both habits have the potential to lead us astray and cloud our judgment. It is wise to abstain from such habits that can impair our ability to make sound decisions and potentially harm not only our bodies but also our relationships with others and with God.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
Smoking can be a form of addiction that clouds our minds and impacts our ability to be sober-minded and vigilant. This verse reminds us of the spiritual battle we face and the importance of being alert and aware of the schemes of the enemy. By avoiding addictive habits like smoking, we can better equip ourselves to resist the temptations and attacks of the devil.
1 Corinthians 9:27
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
As believers, we are called to exercise discipline in all areas of our lives, including the choices we make regarding our bodies. Smoking is a habit that can lead to health issues and hinder our ability to effectively serve and minister to others. By exercising self-discipline and refraining from harmful habits, we can ensure that we do not become ineffective in our testimony or disqualified from the work God has called us to do.
Ephesians 5:18
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
This verse specifically addresses alcohol, but its underlying message applies to any substance or habit that can lead to debauchery or excess. Smoking, like other addictive habits, can consume our lives and hinder our ability to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It is important to seek the filling of the Spirit rather than relying on any worldly substance or behavior for comfort or satisfaction.
Proverbs 16:32
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
Controlling our impulses and exercising self-discipline is valued in the Bible, as demonstrated in this verse. Smoking can be seen as a lack of self-control and can negatively affect not only our physical health but also our emotional well-being. It is important to cultivate self-discipline and seek healthier alternatives to cope with stress or difficulties instead of turning to harmful habits like smoking.
Mark 7:20-23
“And he said, ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.'”
While smoking is not directly mentioned in this verse, it serves as a reminder that the condition of our hearts is what truly matters to God. Engaging in harmful and addictive habits like smoking can be a reflection of deeper issues within us. It is important to examine our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from within, leading us to make choices that honor God and align with His will.
1 Timothy 4:8
“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
While physical fitness and health are important, this verse reminds us that godliness should be our utmost priority. Taking care of our bodies by avoiding habits like smoking is essential, but it should not overshadow our pursuit of godliness. Prioritizing spiritual well-being and character development is of utmost importance, as it impacts not only our present lives but also our eternal destiny.
1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.'”
Smoking is often associated with social settings and can be influenced by the company we keep. This verse warns us about the influence of bad company and how it can corrupt our morals. As believers, we should surround ourselves with individuals who encourage and support a lifestyle that is pleasing to God, rather than being swayed by peer pressure or conforming to unhealthy habits that do not align with our faith.
Romans 6:12-14
“Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”
In this passage, the apostle Paul encourages believers to live in righteousness and not allow sin to dominate their lives. This includes making choices that are pleasing to God with regard to our bodies. Smoking can become addictive and control our actions, but as believers, we are called to present ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness, free from the dominion of sin.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor.”
While this verse specifically addresses sexual immorality, its message can be applied to any form of self-control and honor in how we treat our bodies. Smoking is a habit that can harm our physical health and is not in line with leading a life of holiness and honor. As believers, we are called to exercise self-control in all areas of our lives, including our choices regarding our bodies.
1 Peter 2:11
“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to be separate from the patterns and desires of the world. Smoking can be seen as a passion of the flesh that can wage war against our souls, distracting us from our pursuit of God and hindering our spiritual growth. It is important to resist the temptations of the flesh and make choices that align with our identity as sojourners and exiles in this world.
1 Corinthians 7:20-23
“Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity. For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise, he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.”
While the context of this passage is about one’s social and economic status, the underlying principle of freedom in Christ can be applied to our choices regarding habits such as smoking. As believers, we should not allow ourselves to become enslaved to any habits or addictions that hinder our freedom in Christ. We have been bought with a price, and it is our responsibility to live in the freedom that Christ has given us.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
As followers of Christ, our actions and choices should reflect the goodness and glory of God. Smoking can often give a negative impression and may hinder our ability to be a positive influence on others. By abstaining from habits like smoking, we can shine the light of Christ and demonstrate the transformative power of His love in our lives.
1 Timothy 5:23
“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”
Although this verse specifically mentions wine, it provides wisdom regarding the use of substances for medicinal purposes. Smoking does not have any known health benefits and is often associated with numerous diseases and ailments. It is important to prioritize our health and well-being, making choices that promote healing and avoid behaviors that can harm our bodies.
Matthew 6:25
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”
While this verse speaks more to the issue of anxiety, it reminds us of the importance of prioritizing our eternal life and our relationship with God above earthly concerns such as smoking. Engaging in unhealthy habits, including smoking, can be a reflection of relying on worldly comforts and temporary solutions. Instead, we should seek our satisfaction and contentment in God alone.
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.”
While not specific to smoking, this verse highlights the dangers of excessive indulgence in any pleasure-seeking behavior. Smoking, when done indiscriminately and without moderation, can lead to addiction, health issues, and financial strain. It is important to exercise self-control and avoid habits that can have negative consequences on various aspects of our lives.
Proverbs 10:26
“Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.”
Though this verse does not explicitly reference smoking, it compares smoke to something unpleasant. In a similar manner, smoking can negatively impact those around us through secondhand smoke and create discomfort or health issues for others. It is essential to consider the well-being and concerns of those around us as we make choices about our habits and behaviors.
Proverbs 14:16
“One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.”
Wisdom calls us to be cautious and avoid behaviors that can harm us physically, mentally, or spiritually. Smoking is known to be harmful to our health and can have negative consequences on our overall well-being. As believers, it is wise to turn away from harmful habits and make choices that reflect our commitment to living a life that honors God in all areas.
Proverbs 25:27
“It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.”
While this verse specifically mentions excessive consumption, its underlying message can be applied to any habit or behavior that is not beneficial or glorifying to God. Smoking is not beneficial for our health and can become a self-seeking habit that brings no glory to God. We should strive to make choices that prioritize our well-being and align with the values and principles set forth by God in His Word.
Psalm 119:11
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”
This verse encourages us to store God’s Word in our hearts as a means of guarding ourselves against sin. While smoking is not directly mentioned, habits that can harm our bodies and hinder our relationship with God can be seen as sinful. By immersing ourselves in God’s Word and aligning our choices with His commands, we can resist the temptations of harmful habits and live lives that bring honor to Him.
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'”
Smoking is a habit that is not conducive to holy living. It can harm our bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit, and hinder our ability to fully surrender ourselves to God. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, reflecting the character of our holy God. It is vital that we make choices that align with this call to holiness and strive to live in a way that honors God in every aspect of our lives.