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What does the Bible say about alcohol?

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The Bible permits the moderate use of alcohol as a good gift of God, yet strongly warns against drunkenness, addiction, and any use that harms oneself or leads others into sin. Ephesians 5:18 commands believers to be filled with the Spirit rather than wine, while Proverbs 20:1 and Proverbs 23:29-35 portray the deception, misery, and loss of self-control that drink can bring. Scripture recognizes legitimate medicinal use in 1 Timothy 5:23, but calls Christians to sober-minded holiness. Romans 14:21 teaches loving restraint when drinking would wound another's conscience, and Galatians 5:21 warns that habitual drunkenness is incompatible with the kingdom life. Christ saves and renews those formerly enslaved to such sins, as 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 declares.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Ephesians 5:18

    Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

  • Proverbs 20:1

    Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler; Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

  • 1 Timothy 5:23

    Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.

  • Proverbs 23:29-35

    [29] Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? [30] Those who stay long at the wine; Those who go to seek out mixed wine. [31] Don't look at the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly: [32] In the end, it bites like a snake, And poisons like a viper. [33] Your eyes will see strange things, And your mind will imagine confusing things. [34] Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or as he who lies on top of the rigging: [35] "They hit me, and I was not hurt; They beat me, and I don't feel it! When will I wake up? I can do it again. I can find another."

  • Romans 14:21

    It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

    [9] Or don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, [10] nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God. [11] Such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God.

  • Isaiah 5:11

    Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; Who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them!

  • Isaiah 5:22

    Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, And champions at mixing strong drink;

  • Galatians 5:21

    envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

  • 1 Timothy 3:8

    Deacons, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money;

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