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What does the Bible say about drinking in moderation?

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The Bible permits the thankful use of wine and other drink, but firmly condemns drunkenness, addiction, and any use that harms oneself or others. Proverbs 20:1 and Proverbs 23:29-35 warn that alcohol can deceive, enslave, and bring sorrow, while Ephesians 5:18 commands believers to be filled with the Spirit rather than controlled by wine. Paul’s advice in 1 Timothy 5:23 shows that limited use may be appropriate, including for health, yet church leaders must be self-controlled and not given to excess (1 Timothy 3:3, 3:8). Christian liberty is governed by love: Romans 14:21 calls believers to refrain when their drinking could injure another’s faith.

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.

  • 1 Timothy 3:8

    Deacons, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money;

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 1 Timothy 3:3

    not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;

  • 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.

  • 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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