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What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages?

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What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages? Alcohol consumption is a topic that has been debated among Christians for centuries. While some argue that drinking alcohol is a sin, others believe that moderate consumption is acceptable. To understand the biblical perspective on this issue, we must examine various passages that discuss alcohol. In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about alcohol and provide insights into its teachings.

What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages?

What the Scriptures Say About Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol in the Bible: A Gift from God

The Bible acknowledges that wine is a gift from God that can bring joy and enhance the enjoyment of life. In Psalm 104:14-15, it states, “He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.” This verse illustrates that wine can be a source of celebration and happiness.

Furthermore, Ecclesiastes 9:7 encourages individuals to enjoy their food and drink with gladness, stating, “Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved of what you do.” These passages highlight the positive aspects of alcohol and emphasize its role as a blessing from God.

Jesus and Wine: A Biblical Perspective

The life and teachings of Jesus also shed light on the biblical perspective on alcohol. In one of his well-known miracles, Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana (John 2:1-10). This act demonstrates that Jesus saw no issue with the consumption of wine in moderation, as he provided it as a generous gift to enhance the celebration.

Additionally, Jesus himself drank wine during his time on earth. In Matthew 26:29, he states, “I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” This statement affirms that Jesus recognized the value of wine and its significance in certain social and religious contexts.

The Bible Condemns Drunkenness

While the Bible acknowledges the positive aspects of alcohol, it consistently condemns drunkenness. Ephesians 5:18 states, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” This verse explicitly warns against the excessive consumption of alcohol and highlights the negative consequences of drunkenness.

Numerous other passages in the Bible express a similar sentiment. Proverbs 20:1 states, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” These verses caution against the dangers of overindulgence and highlight the importance of self-control.

Moderation and Consideration for Others

While the Bible does not explicitly forbid the consumption of alcohol in moderation, it encourages individuals to exercise caution and consideration for others. Romans 14:21 states, “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.” This verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that may lead others to stumble or go against their own convictions.

Furthermore, 1 Corinthians 8 discusses the need to be considerate of fellow believers who may have different views on alcohol. It states, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” This passage encourages Christians to prioritize the well-being and spiritual growth of others over their own personal freedoms.

The Dangers of Excessive Drinking

The Bible also warns against the dangers of excessive drinking and the negative consequences it can have on individuals. In Luke 21:34-35, Jesus cautions, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”

Proverbs 23:29-30 further emphasizes the risks associated with heavy drinking, stating, “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.” These verses serve as a reminder that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to negative outcomes and should be avoided.

Personal Responsibility and Self-Control

Ultimately, the decision to consume alcohol is a personal one that requires individual responsibility and self-control. While the Bible does not explicitly prohibit alcohol, it emphasizes the importance of moderation, consideration for others, and self-discipline.

Each person must carefully consider their own relationship with alcohol and assess whether it aligns with biblical principles. For some individuals, complete abstinence may be the wisest choice due to personal circumstances or convictions. Others may choose to consume alcohol in moderation while being mindful of its potential risks and implications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Bible provides guidance on the topic of alcohol consumption. It acknowledges the positive aspects of alcohol as a gift from God that can bring joy and enhance celebrations. However, it consistently condemns drunkenness and warns against the dangers of excessive drinking.

The Bible encourages individuals to exercise moderation, consideration for others, and self-control when it comes to alcohol. Each person must prayerfully discern their own convictions and make decisions that align with biblical principles.

Regardless of the personal choices individuals make regarding alcohol, it is important to prioritize love, understanding, and respect for one another’s convictions. By doing so, Christians can navigate this topic with grace and promote unity within the body of Christ.

What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages?

Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

1 Timothy 5:23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)

Proverbs 23:29-35 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. 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. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. …

Romans 14:21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Or 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. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Group 1 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

Isaiah 5:11 Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them!

Isaiah 5:22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink,

Galatians 5:21 Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Timothy 3:8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.

Psalm 104:14-15 You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.

Galatians 5:19-25 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. …

Group 2 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

Luke 7:34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’

1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Ecclesiastes 9:7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.

Romans 13:13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.

Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

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.

Luke 21:34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.

Group 3 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Leviticus 10:9 “Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.

Matthew 11:18-19 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

Isaiah 55:1 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Titus 2:3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,

Isaiah 28:7 These also reel with wine and stagger with strong drink; the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink, they are swallowed by wine, they stagger with strong drink, they reel in vision, they stumble in giving judgment.

Group 4 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

Hosea 4:11 Whoredom, wine, and new wine, which take away the understanding.

Numbers 6:3 He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Or 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 5:11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

Proverbs 31:4-5 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

Proverbs 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink,

Group 5 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

1 Corinthians 3:17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

1 Corinthians 6:12 “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.

John 2:1-11 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” …

Habakkuk 2:15 “Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink— you pour out your wrath and make them drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness!

Proverbs 21:17 Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

Proverbs 31:6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;

Judges 13:4 Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean,

Group 6 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

Luke 1:15 For he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.

Revelation 1:1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,

1 Peter 4:3 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.

1 Corinthians 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

Isaiah 25:6-9 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”

Group 7 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

Proverbs 23:31 Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.

Daniel 1:8 But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Genesis 9:21 He drank of the wine and became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent.

Isaiah 28:1 Ah, the proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim, and the fading flower of its glorious beauty, which is on the head of the rich valley of those overcome with wine!

Titus 1:7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,

Group 8 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

1 Timothy 3:2-3 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

Romans 14:1-23 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. …

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

1 Timothy 3:3 Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

Luke 10:34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.

Group 9 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

Deuteronomy 14:26 And spend the money for whatever you desire—oxen or sheep or wine or strong drink, whatever your appetite craves. And you shall eat there before the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household.

1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

John 2:10 And said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

Genesis 27:28 May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Group 10 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.”

John 2:3-11 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. …

Ezekiel 44:21 No priest shall drink wine when he enters the inner court.

Proverbs 23:31-32 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 23:20 Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat,

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Group 11 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

Romans 14:15-21 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. …

Numbers 6:1-27 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When either a man or a woman makes a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord, he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar made from wine or strong drink and shall not drink any juice of grapes or eat grapes, fresh or dried. All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, not even the seeds or the skins. “All the days of his vow of separation, no razor shall touch his head. Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. He shall let the locks of hair of his head grow long. …

Group 12 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

1 Corinthians 10:23-24 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.

Isaiah 62:8-9 The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “I will not again give your grain to be food for your enemies, and foreigners shall not drink your wine for which you have labored; but those who garner it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.”

Matthew 9:17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”

Amos 9:14 I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.

Isaiah 25:6 On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined.

Group 13 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

Joel 1:5 Awake, you drunkards, and weep, and wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it is cut off from your mouth.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Corinthians 8:9 But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

Proverbs 23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.

Isaiah 5:11-12 Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them! They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts, but they do not regard the deeds of the Lord, or see the work of his hands.

Judges 13:7 But he said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. So then drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.’”

Group 14 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

Isaiah 29:9 Astonish yourselves and be astonished; blind yourselves and be blind! Be drunk, but not with wine; stagger, but not with strong drink!

Ephesians 5:18-20 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Ecclesiastes 10:17 Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility, and your princes feast at the proper time, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

Matthew 24:48-51 But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Group 15 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

Judges 13:14 She may not eat of anything that comes from the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, or eat any unclean thing. All that I commanded her let her observe.”

Matthew 26:29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Deuteronomy 21:20 And they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This our son is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’

Isaiah 24:9 No more do they drink wine with singing; strong drink is bitter to those who drink it.

Leviticus 10:8-11 And the Lord spoke to Aaron, saying, “Drink no wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tent of meeting, lest you die. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean, and you are to teach the people of Israel all the statutes that the Lord has spoken to them by Moses.”

Group 16 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

Joel 2:24 “The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.

1 Peter 4:3-4 For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you;

Proverbs 3:10 Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Deuteronomy 7:13 He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock, in the land that he swore to your fathers to give you.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Group 17 – What Does the Bible Say About Alcoholic Beverages

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Isaiah 5:22-23 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, and deprive the innocent of his right!

Matthew 24:49 And begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards,

Joel 3:3 And have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it.

Judges 9:13 But the vine said to them, ‘Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men and go hold sway over the trees?’

Psalm 104:15 And wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart.

Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Isaiah 28:7-8 These also reel with wine and stagger with strong drink; the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink, they are swallowed by wine, they stagger with strong drink, they reel in vision, they stumble in giving judgment. For all tables are full of filthy vomit, with no space left.

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