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What does the Bible say about drugs and alcohol?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible warns against drunkenness and every enslaving use of substances, calling believers to sober-minded self-control and to live under the gracious rule of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 contrasts being filled with wine with being filled with the Spirit, while Proverbs 20:1 and Proverbs 23:29-35 expose alcohol's deceit, misery, and loss of judgment. Galatians 5:21 warns that drunkenness belongs to the works of the flesh. Because our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 calls Christians to glorify God in body and soul. Yet Christ offers forgiveness, help, and freedom to those caught in addiction, and His people should pursue watchfulness, repentance, and loving support.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Ephesians 5:18 6 votes

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

  • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 6 votes

    [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.

  • Galatians 5:21 5 votes

    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 20:1 5 votes

    Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler; Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

  • 1 Peter 5:8 4 votes

    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 3 votes

    [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 Corinthians 3:16-17 3 votes

    [16] Don't you know that you are a temple of God, and that God's Spirit lives in you? [17] If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are.

  • Isaiah 5:11 2 votes

    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!

  • Isaiah 28:7 2 votes

    Even these reel with wine, and stagger with strong drink; the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they stagger with strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.

  • 2 Timothy 4:5 2 votes

    But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.

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