What does the Bible say about drinking?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible permits the use of wine and other drink with thanksgiving, but clearly condemns drunkenness, loss of self-control, and any use that harms oneself or others. Ephesians 5:18 contrasts being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit, while Proverbs 20:1 and Proverbs 23:29-35 warn that alcohol deceives, enslaves, and brings misery. Scripture recognizes medicinal use in 1 Timothy 5:23 and does not treat all drinking as sin, as Matthew 11:18-19 shows. Yet believers are called to sober-mindedness in 1 Peter 5:8, holiness in Romans 13:13-14, and loving restraint when their freedom may cause another to stumble in Romans 14:21.
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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 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.
- 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 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 13:13-14
[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. [14] But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.
- Matthew 11:18-19
[18] For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' [19] The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by her children."
- Proverbs 31:6-7
[6] Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; And wine to the bitter in soul: [7] Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
- 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.
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