What does the Bible say about smoking?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible does not name smoking directly, but it calls Christians to honor God with their bodies, practice self-control, and avoid being mastered by harmful desires. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, believers are reminded that their bodies belong to God and are temples of the Holy Spirit. First Corinthians 6:12 warns that even lawful things should not rule us, a searching principle for addictive habits. Because smoking can damage health and enslave the conscience, Christians should prayerfully seek freedom and wise care for their bodies. God provides strength in Philippians 4:13 and a way of escape from temptation in 1 Corinthians 10:13, while the church should respond with patience, truth, and grace.
Top passages, ranked by readers
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 Corinthians 3:17
If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him; for God's temple is holy, which you are.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19
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,
- 1 Corinthians 6:12
"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are expedient. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be brought under the power of anything.
- 1 Corinthians 6:20
for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
- Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
- 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.
- Romans 12:2
Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
- 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.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about smoking and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about smoking