The Bible contains many references to alcohol and warnings about its use and abuse. Here is a summary of some of the key biblical principles regarding alcohol:
Wine is viewed as a gift from God
In the Old Testament, wine is depicted as a blessing from God when used rightly (Psalm 104:14-15; Ecclesiastes 9:7). However, the Bible also warns that wine can be used excessively and promote drunkenness.
“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)
Drunkenness is strongly condemned
While the Bible approves of wine in moderation, it strongly condemns drunkenness, which impairs judgment and self-control. Drunkenness is associated with folly, waste, self-destruction, violence, and other sins.
“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)
Leaders are held to high standards regarding alcohol
In the Old Testament, priests and kings were forbidden to drink alcohol while serving in the tabernacle or temple (Leviticus 10:8-11; Proverbs 31:4-5). The New Testament also gives warnings about drunkenness to leaders in the church (1 Timothy 3:3,8).
“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)
Alcohol can impair judgment and lead to sin
One of the dangers of alcohol abuse according to the Bible is that it can alter one’s thinking and decision-making. It can lead people into all kinds of sin and poor choices.
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)
Drinking alcohol is not forbidden, but drunkenness is
The Bible distinguishes between use and abuse of alcohol. It permits alcohol in moderation, but condemns immoderate drinking, intoxication, and drunkenness.
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” (Proverbs 23:20-21)
Alcohol can harm the body
While the Bible permits alcohol in moderation, it contains warnings about the physical and mental damage caused by excessive drinking. The Bible encourages healthy stewardship of the body.
“for drunkards…will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them with rags.” (Proverbs 23:21)
“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;” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Abstinence is also presented as wise
While the Bible permits the use of alcohol in moderation, abstinence is also presented as a wise and virtuous choice, especially for those who want to avoid addiction and harm.
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.” (Romans 14:21)
“For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2)
Examples of the outcomes of drunkenness
There are several examples in the Bible that demonstrate the negative consequences of drunkenness:
- Noah became drunk after the flood and acted inappropriately (Genesis 9:20-27)
- Lot engaged in sexually immoral behavior while drunk (Genesis 19:30-38)
- Nabal died after overindulging at a feast (1 Samuel 25:36-38)
- Elah king of Israel was murdered while drunk by Zimri (1 Kings 16:8-10)
- Belshazzar was engaged in a drunken feast when Babylon fell (Daniel 5:1-31)
Principles for Christian living regarding alcohol
Based on biblical principles, here are some guidelines for Christians regarding alcohol use today:
- Avoid drunkenness and addiction – do not impair self-control
- Abstinence is a wise choice for many people
- Do not pressure others to drink if they choose not to
- Avoid causing others to stumble through your example
- Drinking alcohol should not be essential to having joy
- Use wisdom and exercise caution regarding alcohol
- Prioritize spiritual health over fleeting pleasures
Bible verses about alcohol in moderation
Here are some Bible verses that permit the use of alcohol in moderation:
“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)
“You may spend the money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen, or sheep, or wine, or strong drink, or whatever your heart desires; and there you shall eat in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice.” (Deuteronomy 14:26)
“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” (1 Timothy 5:23)
Bible verses warning against drunkenness and alcohol abuse
Here are some Bible verses that warn against alcohol abuse and drunkenness:
“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)
“Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink.” (Isaiah 5:11)
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)
Jesus’ first miracle was turning water into wine
Jesus’ first recorded miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana (John 2:1-11). Some key things to note:
- Jesus transformed water into high quality wine, up to 120-180 gallons
- He did this to help continue the joyful celebration at the wedding
- The passage does not condone drunkenness; the guests were still able to note the quality of the wine
- This demonstrates Jesus’ divine power and glory even over creation
This incident does not mean Jesus condoned unrestrained drinking or drunkenness. However, it does show he valued hospitality and joyful celebration. This miracle reveals his gracious provision and the grand purpose of his coming.
Bible verses about alcohol and self-control
The Bible emphasizes that Christians should maintain self-control and avoid impairment of judgment from any substance, including alcohol:
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is…self-control; against such things there is no law.”
(Galatians 5:22-23)
“Be alert and sober-minded. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:2)
The Bible calls Christians to sobriety, vigilance, and self-control, which excessive alcohol undermines.
Helping a Christian brother/sister addicted to alcohol
If a fellow Christian is struggling with alcohol addiction, here are some ways to help them from a biblical perspective:
- Pray for them fervently and regularly (James 5:16)
- Speak the truth to them sensitively about their addiction (Ephesians 4:15)
- Seek professional help and Christian counseling with them
- Provide practical help like rides to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings
- Offer loving accountability about their progress and struggles
- Remind them of the power of the Gospel and God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- Study Scripture together about self-control and discipline (Titus 2:11-12)
- Avoid enabling behaviors that allow the addiction to continue
- Let them face the natural consequences of their actions if necessary
- Guide them to get alcohol fully out of their life and home
Confronting addiction requires wisdom, courage, patience, and love to help the addicted person repent and find freedom in Christ.
Common arguments in favor of drinking addressed
Here are some common arguments made in favor of drinking, with biblical responses:
- “Jesus drank wine so it must be okay.” – Jesus clearly warned against drunkenness. We cannot assume he got drunk.
- “The Bible says wine gladdens life.” – It permits moderate wine, not abuse or addiction.
- “Wine is served at communion.” – Very small amounts were used and not enough to impair anyone.
- “Wine was necessary without clean water.” – Modern circumstances differ, so imperative is different.
- “It’s not prohibited if done responsibly.” – True, but the Bible warns heavily about alcohol’s dangers.
- “I’m free in Christ to drink.” – But don’t let liberty become a license or stumbling block.
- “I drink only a little for fun.” – Be very cautious about impairment and addiction.
- “It helps relax me.” – Seek relaxation in Christ, not substances. He promises true rest.
There are good arguments cautioning against alcohol use and warning of its dangers from a biblical perspective.
Discussion questions about alcohol and Christianity
Here are some reflective discussion questions on alcohol use as a Christian:
- Is drinking alcohol essential to living a godly, joyful life? Why or why not?
- What does it look like to “walk properly as in the daytime” regarding alcohol use? (Romans 13:13)
- In what situations might drinking alcohol cause “your brother or sister to fall” and how can this be avoided? (Romans 14:21)
- How does being “filled with the Spirit” relate to avoiding drunkenness according to Ephesians 5:18?
- What responsibilities do Christians who choose to drink alcohol have regarding those who choose not to drink?
- How might abstaining from alcohol help believers be more alert, sober-minded, and self-controlled?
- What guidance does the Bible provide on helping fellow Christians addicted to alcohol?
Examining these discussion questions can help Christians develop biblical convictions and Spirit-led wisdom on alcohol use.
Church practices regarding alcohol
Christian churches hold a variety of practices regarding alcohol use, with some key perspectives including:
- Some prohibit any alcohol consumption
- Many prohibit alcohol on church premises
- Most prohibit drunkenness and alcoholism
- Some utilize small amounts of wine in communion
- Many advocate abstinence as wisest for believers
- Most encourage caution about causing others to stumble
- All condemn drunkenness due to its effects and spiritual damage
While exact church practices differ, nearly all churches call for extreme care regarding alcohol use and vigilance against drunkenness based on biblical principles.
How to talk to children about alcohol
When discussing alcohol use with children from a biblical perspective, here are some suggestions:
- Frame the issue positively – focus on self-control, health, and honoring God
- Discuss biblical principles about alcohol in age-appropriate ways
- Make your stance and expectations clear
- Explain the dangers of alcohol abuse
- Share testimonies of those impacted by alcoholism
- Equip them to handle peer pressure or tempting situations
- Remind them their identity is in Christ, not partying and alcohol
- Model healthy perspectives and behaviors regarding alcohol
Honest discussions centered on wisdom, grace and Scripture can help children build biblical views on alcohol from a young age.
Application of biblical principles
Applying biblical principles on alcohol means:
- Exercising wise caution and moderation if drinking
- Not drinking if it causes addiction or harm to self/others
- Abstaining in contexts that could compromise testimony
- Not pressuring abstainers to drink
- Avoiding drunkenness and addiction
- Not letting alcohol impair spiritual discernment
- Demonstrating self-control
- Prioritizing influence for God over pleasure
- Making sure drinking is truly occasional, limited, and moderate
- Warning and aiding fellow believers falling to alcohol abuse
Biblical principles call Christians to exercise Spirit-guided wisdom if drinking alcohol and pursue discernment, moderation, and self-control in all things.