What does the Bible say about wine?
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The Bible presents wine as a good gift of God that may be used with gratitude and wisdom, yet it strongly condemns drunkenness and calls believers to self-control and love for others. Psalm 104:15 and Isaiah 25:6 portray wine among God’s generous provisions, while 1 Timothy 5:23 permits its medicinal use. But Proverbs 20:1, Isaiah 5:11, and Ephesians 5:18 warn that intoxication deceives, corrupts, and opposes life filled by the Spirit. Some, such as Nazirites, abstained entirely (Numbers 6:3), and Titus 2:3 warns against enslavement to much wine. Christians should therefore exercise liberty carefully, refusing drunkenness and willingly abstaining when use would harm a weaker brother or sister (Romans 14:21).
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 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.
- Ephesians 5:18
Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
- Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler; Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
- Psalms 104:15
Wine that makes glad the heart of man, Oil to make his face to shine, And bread that strengthens man's heart.
- Proverbs 31:6
Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; And wine to the bitter in soul:
- Isaiah 25:6
In this mountain will Yahweh of Hosts make to all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.
- 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.
- 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!
- Numbers 6:3
he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of fermented drink, neither shall he drink any juice of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried.
- Titus 2:3
and that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;
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