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What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol?

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The Bible permits the thankful use of wine but plainly condemns drunkenness, addiction, and any use of alcohol that harms oneself or others. Ephesians 5:18 contrasts drunkenness with being filled by the Spirit, while Proverbs 20:1 and Proverbs 23:29-35 warn that wine deceives, mocks, and brings misery to those mastered by it. Scripture recognizes limited medicinal use in 1 Timothy 5:23 and commends receiving God’s gifts with gratitude in Ecclesiastes 9:7. Yet believers must pursue self-control and love: Romans 14:21 teaches that liberty should be willingly restrained when drinking could cause another to stumble. Christians should therefore avoid excess, guard their witness, and seek the Spirit’s wisdom.

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.

  • Ephesians 5:18

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 5:22

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

  • Ecclesiastes 9:7

    Go your way--eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works.

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