What does the Bible say about selling drugs?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible condemns selling drugs when it profits from addiction, harms neighbors, breaks lawful authority, or fuels sinful intoxication, and it calls Christians to repentance, honest work, and love of neighbor. Galatians 5:21 warns against drunkenness and related sins, while 1 Corinthians 6:10 excludes the unrepentantly greedy and corrupt from God’s kingdom. Proverbs 31:6-7 does not commend recreational escape, but recognizes extreme suffering; it cannot justify exploiting others through harmful substances. Jesus teaches us to seek God’s kingdom first in Matthew 6:33 and to obey him in John 14:15. Those formerly involved in such trade are not beyond Christ’s mercy, but faith bears fruit in a changed life that shines before others (Matthew 5:16).

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Hebrews 10:26 13 votes

    For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins,

  • Galatians 5:21 11 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 5:11 8 votes

    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.

  • Mark 8:36 7 votes

    For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life?

  • Proverbs 31:6-7 6 votes

    [6] Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; And wine to the bitter in soul: [7] Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.

  • Matthew 6:33 5 votes

    But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:10 5 votes

    nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God.

  • Colossians 3:1-4 5 votes

    [1] If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. [3] For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.

  • John 14:15 4 votes

    If you love me, keep my commandments.

  • Matthew 5:16 4 votes

    Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about selling drugs and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about selling drugs