What does the Bible say about drink?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible permits drinking in appropriate circumstances but consistently warns against drunkenness, addiction, excess, and causing others spiritual harm. Wine may be received as a good gift, and Paul even advises Timothy to use a little for health in 1 Timothy 5:23. Yet Proverbs 20:1 calls wine a mocker, while Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 5:21, and Romans 13:13 forbid drunkenness as incompatible with a Spirit-filled, godly life. Isaiah 5:11 and 5:22 condemn those who pursue drink and boast in it. Believers should seek God's glory in all they consume, as 1 Corinthians 10:31 teaches, and willingly limit their freedom in love when drinking may tempt or wound another, according to Romans 14:21.
Top passages, ranked by readers
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.
- 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.
- Ephesians 5:18
Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory 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!
- 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.
- 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 5:22
Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, And champions at mixing strong drink;
- 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.
- 1 Timothy 3:8
Deacons, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money;
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about drink and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about drink