What does the Bible say about alcohol consumption?
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The Bible permits the moderate use of alcohol but clearly condemns drunkenness and calls believers to self-control, wisdom, and love for others. Proverbs 20:1 and Proverbs 23:29-35 warn that wine can deceive, enslave, and bring sorrow, while Ephesians 5:18 contrasts drunkenness with being filled by the Spirit. Drunkards are named among those whose unrepentant lives contradict God’s kingdom in 1 Corinthians 6:10 and Galatians 5:21. Yet 1 Timothy 5:23 shows that wine may have legitimate medicinal use. Romans 14:21 teaches Christians to limit even lawful freedoms when they may cause a brother or sister to stumble. Older men and women are likewise called to sober-minded lives in Titus 2:2-3.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler; Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
- Ephesians 5:18
Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
- 1 Corinthians 6:10
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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."
- 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.
- Titus 2:2
that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, and in patience:
- Titus 2:3
and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;
- 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.
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