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What does the Bible say about social drinking?

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The Bible permits the use of alcohol but consistently condemns drunkenness, loss of self-control, and any drinking that leads others into sin. Proverbs 20:1 and 23:29-35 warn that wine deceives and brings sorrow, while Ephesians 5:18 commands believers not to be drunk but filled with the Spirit. Galatians 5:21 places drunkenness among works incompatible with inheriting God's kingdom, and 1 Peter 5:8 calls Christians to sobriety and vigilance. Deuteronomy 14:26 shows that drink itself was not universally forbidden, yet Romans 12:2 directs believers to resist worldly patterns. Therefore, Christians should exercise wise, loving restraint, seeking holiness and the good of neighbor rather than personal indulgence.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • Proverbs 20:1

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

  • Ephesians 5:18

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

  • 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.

  • Isaiah 5:22

    Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, And champions at mixing strong drink;

  • 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.

  • Habakkuk 2:15

    "Woe to him who gives his neighbor drink, pouring your inflaming wine until they are drunk, so that you may gaze at their naked bodies!

  • Proverbs 23:29-35

    [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."

  • 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 5:11

    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.

  • Deuteronomy 14:26

    and you shall bestow the money for whatever your soul desires, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever your soul asks of you; and you shall eat there before Yahweh your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household.

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