What does the Bible say about underage drinking?
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The Bible warns against drunkenness and calls believers, including the young, to self-control, wisdom, and conduct that honors God and protects others. Proverbs 20:1 and 23:20-21 portray wine as deceptive and drunkenness as ruinous, while Ephesians 5:18 commands Christians to be filled with the Spirit rather than intoxicated. Isaiah 5:11, Galatians 5:19-21, and 1 Peter 4:3 place drunken excess among sins incompatible with a godly life. Young believers are especially urged to set an example in purity and character (1 Timothy 4:12). Though Scripture permits limited medicinal use (1 Timothy 5:23), love also avoids behavior that may cause another to stumble (Romans 14:21).
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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,
- Isaiah 5:11
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!
- Proverbs 23:20-21
[20] Don't be among ones drinking too much wine, Or those who gorge themselves on meat: [21] For the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; And drowsiness clothes them in rags.
- 1 Peter 4:3
For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.
- Galatians 5:19-21
[19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [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.
- 1 Corinthians 6:10
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God.
- 1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.
- 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.
- 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.
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