The Bible has a lot to say about alcohol and its effects. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses that discuss alcohol and drinking:
Verses Warning Against Drunkenness and Excessive Drinking
Several verses warn against drunkenness and excessive drinking:
- “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)
- “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13)
- “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life.” (Luke 21:34)
- “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.” (Proverbs 23:20)
- “Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink.” (Isaiah 5:11)
These verses caution against drunkenness, excessive drinking, and the negative effects it can have.
Verses Discouraging Drinking Alcohol at All
Some verses suggest not drinking alcohol at all may be the wisest choice:
- “It is not for kings, O Lemuel — not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer.” (Proverbs 31:4)
- “Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!” (Proverbs 23:31)
These verses discourage drinking alcohol altogether as the safest option.
Verses Allowing Drinking in Moderation
Other verses acknowledge drinking alcohol in moderation may be permissible:
- “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7)
- “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” (1 Timothy 5:23)
- “Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.” (Proverbs 21:17)
These verses neither forbid nor encourage drinking alcohol, but allow it in moderation.
Verses Discussing Alcohol’s Effects
Some verses discuss and warn about the effects of alcohol:
- “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)
- “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.” (Proverbs 23:31-32)
- “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine.” (Proverbs 23:29-30)
These passages warn about the deceitful, addictive, and harmful effects of alcohol if abused.
Verses With Instructions About Alcohol
Some verses provide instructions for alcohol use:
- “Do not drink wine or strong drink, you or your sons, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.” (Leviticus 10:9)
- “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)
- “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Philippians 4:5, KJV)
These verses instruct against drinking in certain contexts and encourage moderate use.
Verses About Alcohol in Communion
Some significant verses reference alcohol in communion:
- “For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
This important passage references drinking wine as part of commemorating the Lord’s Supper.
Old Testament Verses About Alcohol
Here are some additional Old Testament verses about alcohol:
- “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)
- “Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.” (Proverbs 23:31-32)
- “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.” (Proverbs 31:4-5)
These Old Testament verses provide wisdom and caution regarding the use of alcohol.
New Testament Verses About Alcohol
Here are some additional New Testament verses about alcohol:
- “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13)
- “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
- “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)
These New Testament verses instruct believers in upright living and warn against drunkenness.
Verses About Leaders and Alcohol
Some verses specifically discuss leaders and alcohol use:
- “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.” (Proverbs 31:4-5)
- “For a bishop, as God’s steward, must be blameless. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.” (Titus 1:7)
- “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” (1 Timothy 3:2)
These verses hold leaders to high standards regarding alcohol use and warn against drunkenness.
Verses About Abstaining for the Sake of Others
Some verses encourage abstaining from alcohol for the sake of others:
- “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” (Romans 14:13)
- “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” (1 Corinthians 8:13)
Out of love for others, these verses recommend voluntarily abstaining from alcohol if it causes another believer to stumble.
Verses About the Dangers of Intoxication
Many verses warn against the dangers of intoxication:
- “Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks.” (Isaiah 5:22)
- “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18)
- “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13)
- “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life.” (Luke 21:34)
Many passages make clear that intoxication can lead to poor decision-making, recklessness, and sin.
Verses Affirming Enjoyment of Alcohol in Moderation
A few verses affirm the enjoyment of alcohol in moderation:
- “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7)
- “You may spend the money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen, or sheep, or wine or strong drink, whatever your heart desires.” (Deuteronomy 14:26)
Though many verses encourage caution, a few affirm enjoying alcohol in moderation as a gift from God.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible includes both encouragement and cautions regarding alcohol use. Most verses warn against drunkenness and excessive drinking due to its harmful effects. The Bible affirms the use of alcohol in moderation, though some verses recommend abstaining altogether as the wisest choice. Ultimately, the Bible advises great care and wisdom in the use of alcohol.