Drinking has been a practice throughout human history, and its presence in the Bible is significant. The Bible provides teachings on the consumption of alcoholic beverages, offering guidance on how believers should approach drinking. There are many opinions surrounding alcohol, with some Christians believing that any form of drinking is wrong, while others argue that moderation is key. The Bible does not explicitly forbid drinking but provides numerous verses that speak to its appropriate use, potential dangers, and the importance of maintaining self-control.
This article explores 20 Scriptures related to drinking, offering a detailed understanding of how believers can approach this practice. It will address what the Bible says about the effects of drinking, when drinking is acceptable, and the importance of maintaining a balance in one’s life. By delving into these verses, we will uncover biblical wisdom that can help guide Christian conduct in regard to alcohol consumption.
1. Ephesians 5:18 – The Call to Avoid Drunkenness
The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:18:
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (NIV)
This verse provides a clear prohibition against drunkenness, stating that being intoxicated leads to behavior that is sinful, reckless, and dishonoring to God. Paul contrasts this state with being filled with the Holy Spirit, encouraging believers to pursue spiritual growth and self-control rather than yielding to excess.
2. Proverbs 20:1 – Wine and Its Effects on Behavior
The Book of Proverbs offers a warning about wine’s ability to affect one’s character:
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (KJV)
This verse underscores the deceptive nature of alcohol. Wine and strong drink have the potential to cloud judgment and lead individuals astray, diminishing their wisdom and self-control. Proverbs cautions that those who allow themselves to be influenced by alcohol may engage in foolish or reckless actions.
3. 1 Timothy 5:23 – Paul’s Advice to Timothy
In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul offers practical advice to Timothy, encouraging moderate use of wine for health purposes:
“No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” (NKJV)
While this verse acknowledges the beneficial uses of wine, it does not condone excessive drinking. Instead, Paul’s counsel suggests a balanced approach where wine is used for medicinal purposes in moderation. This highlights that alcohol, when used appropriately, can serve a beneficial role.
4. Proverbs 23:29-35 – The Dangers of Excessive Drinking
The dangers of drunkenness are vividly portrayed in Proverbs 23:29-35:
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper.” (NKJV)
This passage vividly depicts the destructive consequences of excessive drinking. The physical and emotional toll of drunkenness includes woe, sorrow, complaints, and physical injuries. The image of wine biting like a serpent and stinging like a viper emphasizes how temptation, if embraced, can lead to painful consequences.
5. Romans 13:13 – Living Honorably and Avoiding Debauchery
Romans 13:13 calls believers to live in a way that reflects the righteousness of Christ:
“Let us walk properly, as in the daytime, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.” (NKJV)
The Apostle Paul urges Christians to avoid drunkenness, which leads to dishonorable behavior. Christians are called to live in a manner that honors God, showing respect and self-control. This passage also highlights that drunkenness can lead to conflicts and destructive behavior.
6. John 2:1-11 – Jesus Turns Water into Wine
In John 2:1-11, we find the account of Jesus’ first miracle at a wedding in Cana, where He turns water into wine:
“Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the waterpots with water.’ And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, ‘Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.’ And they took it.” (NKJV)
This miracle demonstrates that Jesus did not prohibit the drinking of wine. In fact, He provided an abundant supply of wine for the wedding guests. However, it’s important to note that there is no indication of drunkenness at this event. Instead, Jesus’ miracle shows that wine in moderation can be enjoyed responsibly in a celebratory context.
7. Psalm 104:14-15 – God’s Provision of Wine
Psalm 104:14-15 reflects the goodness of God’s creation, including the gift of wine:
“He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth, and wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengthens man’s heart.” (NKJV)
This passage highlights the positive role of wine as part of God’s provision for humanity. Wine is intended to bring joy and gladness to the heart, emphasizing that it is a blessing from God when consumed in moderation and with gratitude.
8. 1 Corinthians 6:12 – Freedom in Christ and the Need for Self-Control
In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul addresses the issue of freedom in Christ:
“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.” (ESV)
This verse teaches that Christians are not under the law but are called to exercise self-control. While drinking is permissible, Paul stresses that believers should not be controlled or dominated by their desire for alcohol. The focus is on living in a way that honors God rather than indulging in anything that might lead to harm.
9. Matthew 26:29 – Jesus and the Cup of Wine
In Matthew 26:29, Jesus speaks about the future kingdom of God and the symbolic use of wine:
“But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (NKJV)
This statement reveals that Jesus acknowledged the symbolic and celebratory role of wine. It also points to a time when, in the kingdom of God, believers will share in a new fellowship with Christ. The context shows that wine has a place in sacred celebrations, but it is always tied to purpose and meaning.
10. Galatians 5:19-21 – The Works of the Flesh
In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists the works of the flesh, which includes drunkenness:
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (NKJV)
Drunkenness is listed as one of the sinful behaviors that can prevent individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God. This serves as a stark warning that habitual indulgence in alcohol to the point of drunkenness is a behavior that Christians must avoid in order to live righteously.
11. Titus 2:3 – Older Women Teaching the Younger
In Titus 2:3, Paul gives instructions for Christian conduct, particularly for older women:
“The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.” (NKJV)
This verse emphasizes the importance of moderation in all things, including wine. Older women are to model self-control and avoid excessive drinking. The call is to live lives that reflect godliness and teach younger generations by example.
12. 1 Peter 4:3 – The Past Life of Sinful Indulgence
Peter writes in 1 Peter 4:3:
“For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.” (NKJV)
Peter reminds believers that their former lives were characterized by indulgence in drunkenness and sinful pleasures. Christians are called to leave behind such behavior and to live in a way that pleases God. The emphasis is on walking away from the harmful effects of excessive drinking.
13. Isaiah 5:11-12 – Woe to Those Who Rise Early for Wine
In Isaiah 5:11-12, the prophet Isaiah speaks against those who live in excess:
“Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may follow intoxicating drink; who continue until night, till wine inflames them!” (NKJV)
Isaiah warns of the destructive effects of indulging in wine from morning to night. The excessive pursuit of alcohol leads to a life of folly, and God’s judgment is upon those who indulge in such behavior.
14. Luke 7:34 – The Son of Man and Wine
In Luke 7:34, Jesus is accused of being a glutton and a drunkard by His critics:
“The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’” (NKJV)
Jesus’ accusers used His willingness to eat and drink with others as a basis for their accusations. Though Jesus participated in social gatherings, there is no evidence of Him indulging in drunkenness. This verse shows that wine was a part of Jesus’ ministry, but it was never abused.
15. Luke 22:18 – The Kingdom of God and Wine
In Luke 22:18, Jesus speaks about wine in the context of His coming kingdom:
“For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” (NKJV)
Jesus acknowledges the symbolic nature of wine, particularly in relation to the Kingdom of God. It shows that wine can be used to commemorate significant moments and future promises in God’s plan.
16. Ecclesiastes 3:13 – Enjoying the Fruits of Labor
Ecclesiastes 3:13 reflects on the importance of enjoying God’s blessings:
“And also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God.” (NKJV)
This verse encourages enjoyment of God’s provisions, including food and drink. It highlights the importance of gratitude and moderation in enjoying the fruits of one’s labor.
17. Matthew 11:19 – The Criticism of Jesus’ Lifestyle
Matthew 11:19 illustrates the criticism Jesus faced for His lifestyle:
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’” (NIV)
This statement points out that Jesus was often misjudged for His willingness to partake in social meals. Though He consumed wine, He was never controlled by it, emphasizing moderation and balance in His lifestyle.
18. Proverbs 31:6-7 – Wine for the Weary
In Proverbs 31:6-7, wine is recommended for those who are weary or in distress:
“Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart; let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” (NKJV)
This passage acknowledges the temporary relief that wine may bring to those who are struggling emotionally. However, it is not an endorsement of drunkenness but rather a recognition of wine’s role in alleviating temporary distress.
19. 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Doing All for the Glory of God
In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul teaches that everything, including drinking, should be done for God’s glory:
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (NKJV)
This verse reminds believers that every action, including the act of drinking, should be undertaken with a heart that seeks to honor God. Moderation and self-control are essential in living a life that glorifies God in all things.
20. Romans 14:21 – The Principle of Not Causing Others to Stumble
Romans 14:21 emphasizes consideration for others in matters of drinking:
“It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak.” (NKJV)
This verse highlights the principle of not causing others to stumble in their faith. While drinking may be permissible, believers are urged to be mindful of how their actions affect others, particularly those who may be struggling with alcohol use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible offers a nuanced view of drinking, encouraging moderation and self-control. While Scripture does not outright forbid alcohol, it warns against drunkenness and the destructive consequences of overindulgence. Christians are called to enjoy God’s good gifts, including wine, in a responsible and balanced manner.
You Might Be Interested In:
