What does the Bible say about drinking and smoking?
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The Bible forbids drunkenness and calls Christians to honor God with their bodies, while not expressly forbidding every use of alcohol or tobacco. Wine may be received with gratitude and moderation, as 1 Timothy 5:23 shows, but Proverbs 20:1, Isaiah 5:22, and Ephesians 5:18 warn that intoxication deceives, enslaves, and opposes life filled by the Spirit. Smoking is not named in Scripture, yet believers should apply the principles that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19; 3:17). Christian liberty must not become mastery by a habit (1 Corinthians 6:12), nor should it damage one’s witness or encourage sin in others.
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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 6:19
Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own,
- 1 Corinthians 3:17
If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are.
- 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.
- 1 Corinthians 5:11
But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Don't even eat with such a person.
- 1 Corinthians 6:12
"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are expedient. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be brought under the power of anything.
- 1 Corinthians 6:10
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God.
- Romans 12:2
Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
- Isaiah 5:22
Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, And champions at mixing strong drink;
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