What does the Bible say about underage drinking?
The Bible does not explicitly prohibit underage drinking. However, it provides principles and examples that indicate drunkenness and addiction to alcohol are dangerous and should be avoided, especially by young people.
The Legal Age for Drinking Alcohol
Many countries today have set a minimum legal drinking age, usually around 18 to 21 years old. The purpose is to protect young people from the dangers of alcohol abuse.
The Bible does not specify an exact legal age for drinking. In biblical times, alcoholic wine was common at meals, even for children. For example, 1 Timothy 5:23 says: “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” This verse was instruction to Timothy, a young man.
However, it is important to note that ancient wine was diluted and contained less alcohol than today’s wine. The potential for drunkenness was likely lower. So while the Bible does not prohibit alcohol for minors, the principle of avoiding drunkenness would apply.
Bible Verses About Drunkenness
The Bible contains many warnings against drunkenness and addiction to alcohol:
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)
“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)
“For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them with rags.” (Proverbs 23:21)
These verses do not prohibit alcohol, but they warn against drinking in excess. Drunkenness leads to lack of wisdom, debauchery, sexual immorality, jealousy, poverty, and laziness.
As a result, Christians should exercise caution and self-control when drinking alcohol. Moderation is wise. Drunkenness is clearly presented as dangerous and sinful.
Bible Examples About Alcohol Abuse
In addition to direct warnings about drunkenness, the Bible contains stories demonstrating the negative effects of alcohol abuse:
Noah became drunk after the flood and acted inappropriately (Genesis 9:20-27). As a result, his son Ham dishonored him.
Lot became drunk and unknowingly committed incest with his daughters (Genesis 19:30-38).
Nabal died after getting extremely drunk at a feast (1 Samuel 25:36-38).
Elah king of Israel was assassinated while drunk at a party (1 Kings 16:8-10).
Ben-Hadad king of Aram and his allied kings became drunk and were slaughtered (1 Kings 20:16-21).
Belshazzar king of Babylon was slain during a drunken feast (Daniel 5:1-30).
The Corinthians got drunk at the Lord’s Supper and were rebuked by Paul (1 Corinthians 11:17-34).
These examples demonstrate that drunkenness blinds people and destroys discernment, making them vulnerable to poor decisions and dangerous situations. The outcomes include immorality, violence, humiliation, sickness, and death.
Bible Principles for Young People About Alcohol
In addition to avoiding drunkenness, the Bible provides principles that apply to underage drinking:
1. Obey Governing Authorities
Romans 13:1 says: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.” Young people should obey the law when it comes to the legal drinking age.
2. Exercise Wisdom and Discretion
The book of Proverbs frequently admonishes acquiring wisdom and discretion: “The wise in heart accept commands” (Proverbs 10:8) and “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9). Underage drinking is usually unwise and often illegal.
3. Avoid Harms of Alcohol
Isaiah 5:11 warns: “Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine.” Underage drinking inflames youthful passions and impairs judgment. It often leads to regrets like drunk driving, violence, sexual immorality, and addiction.
4. Practice Self-Control
Galatians 5:22-23 promotes the fruit of the Spirit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Rather than being controlled by peer pressure, youth should embrace self-control.
5. Think Before Consuming
Phillipians 4:8 advises: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” The legal and health risks of underage drinking require careful thought.
6. Avoid Addiction
1 Corinthians 6:12 warns: “I will not be mastered by anything.” Teen brains are still developing, and alcohol addiction is a serious risk. It is wise to completely abstain from underage drinking.
7. Associate with Good Company
1 Corinthians 15:33 warns: “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” Teenagers tend to drink when associates and friends pressure them, not understanding long-term dangers.
8. Be an Example for Others
1 Timothy 4:12 instructs: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” Virtuous conduct provides a powerful positive example.
9. Care for Your Body Respectfully
1 Corinthians 6:19 states: “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.” Binge drinking and alcohol poisoning show disrespect for the wonderful gift of health. Moderation demonstrates respect and care.
10. Invest Time in Eternal Values
Ephesians 5:15-16 counsels: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Youth is short. Investing time in God’s kingdom provides eternal rewards rather than squandering life on alcohol.
The Bible Clearly Warns Against Drunkenness
In conclusion, the Bible does not prohibit alcohol consumption entirely. However, it clearly warns against drunkenness and addiction. Principles from Scripture advise young people to exercise wisdom, self-control, moderation, and obedience to governing authorities when making decisions about alcohol use. Underage drinking is extremely risky and unwise in light of both biblical principles and scientific evidence about alcohol’s effects on still-developing brains. The safest and wisest decision for youth is to completely abstain from alcohol consumption until legally permitted. This prevents impairment of judgment and self-control during formative years and helps establish positive habits of self-discipline for the future.