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What does the Bible say about strong drink?

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The Bible permits the use of strong drink in limited and lawful settings, but strongly condemns drunkenness, loss of self-control, and the harm it brings. Proverbs 20:1 and 23:29-35 portray alcohol as deceptive and destructive when it rules a person. Ephesians 5:18 contrasts being drunk with wine against being filled with the Spirit, while Galatians 5:21 warns that drunkenness belongs to the works of the flesh. Deuteronomy 14:26 recognizes a festive use, and 1 Timothy 5:23 notes a medicinal use. Yet believers must love their neighbors, as Romans 14:21 teaches, and rulers especially must remain sober and just (Proverbs 31:4-7; Isaiah 28:7).

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,

  • 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 14:21

    It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.

  • 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.

  • 1 Timothy 5:23

    Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.

  • 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.

  • Proverbs 31:6-7

    [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.

  • Isaiah 28:7

    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.

  • Proverbs 31:4-7

    [4] It is not for kings, Lemuel; It is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?' [5] Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted. [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.

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