What does the Bible say about drug abuse?
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The Bible warns against intoxication and enslaving habits, calling believers to sober-mindedness, self-control, and care for the bodies God has made and redeemed. Scripture does not name modern drugs specifically, but its principles clearly condemn using substances for reckless pleasure, escape, or impairment. Proverbs 20:1 and Ephesians 5:18 warn of deception and loss of control through drunkenness, while 1 Peter 5:8 calls Christians to vigilance. Our bodies belong to the Lord, says 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, and God faithfully provides a way to endure temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). The gospel also offers forgiveness, transforming grace, and the support of wise Christian community for those seeking freedom.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
[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, [20] for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
- 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 20:1
Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler; Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
- Ephesians 5:18
Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
- Galatians 5:19-21
[19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [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 Corinthians 15:33
Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."
- 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!
- 1 Corinthians 3:17
If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are.
- 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.
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