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What does the Bible say about alcohol abuse?

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The Bible warns that drunkenness and the misuse of alcohol are sinful, spiritually destructive, and contrary to the self-control God calls his people to pursue. Proverbs 23:29-35 vividly portrays alcohol's sorrow, deception, and enslaving power, while Proverbs 20:1 cautions that wine can lead people astray. Ephesians 5:18 commands believers not to be drunk with wine but to be filled with the Spirit, whose work produces sober-mindedness and holy living. Galatians 5:21 and 1 Corinthians 6:10 include drunkenness among sins incompatible with unrepentant life in God's kingdom. Yet Christ offers mercy, forgiveness, and transforming grace to those who repent and seek help in faith.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 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."

  • 1 Peter 5:8

    Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

  • 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 Corinthians 6:10

    nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God.

  • 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.

  • 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;

  • 1 Corinthians 3:17

    If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are.

  • Romans 13:13

    Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy.

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