What does the Bible say about drunkenness?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible warns that drunkenness is sinful because it clouds judgment, feeds other sins, and opposes the self-control and watchfulness God calls His people to pursue. Ephesians 5:18 contrasts being drunk with wine with being filled by the Holy Spirit, directing believers toward joyful, sober obedience. Proverbs 20:1 and Proverbs 23:29-35 expose alcohol's deceit, misery, and enslaving power, while Isaiah 5:11 and Isaiah 5:22 condemn those who chase drink. Galatians 5:19-21 names drunkenness among works of the flesh, and Romans 13:13 calls Christians to live honorably. Yet Christ offers forgiveness and transforming grace, enabling His people to resist excess and walk soberly before God.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

Ephesians 5:18 4 votes
Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
Proverbs 20:1 4 votes
Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Galatians 5:19-21 3 votes
Now the deeds of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envy, 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 God’s Kingdom.
Luke 21:34 3 votes
“So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly.
Romans 13:13 2 votes
Let’s walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy.
Galatians 5:21 2 votes
envy, 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 God’s Kingdom.
Proverbs 23:29-35 2 votes
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who stay long at the wine; those who go to seek out mixed wine. Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly. In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will imagine confusing things. Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging: “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 will look for more.”
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!
1 Peter 5:8 2 votes
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Isaiah 5:22 2 votes
Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, and champions at mixing strong drink;

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