What Does The Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol?
Alcohol is a controversial topic for many Christians. Its use and abuse are discussed over 100 times in the Bible, leaving many wondering what God actually thinks about drinking.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Bible does not forbid alcohol altogether, but it clearly warns against drunkenness and addiction. Most verses promote personal conviction and moderation when it comes to drinking.
In this comprehensive article, we will examine dozens of Bible passages to understand the biblical perspective on alcohol, social drinking, drunkenness, addiction, and more.
Alcohol Use in Biblical Times
Wine as a Common Drink
Wine was a very common drink in biblical times. Water could often be impure, so wine helped avoid sickness. The Bible references wine over 230 times, showing its cultural significance. Many biblical figures like Melchizedek brought wine when meeting Abraham (Genesis 14:18).
Jesus’ first miracle was turning water to wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1-11). Wine also played various symbolic and sacramental roles.
However, wine had lower alcohol content than today’s varieties. Estimates range from 10-14% ABV compared to today’s average 12-15% ABV. Wine was commonly diluted with water at ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:20 water to wine. This helped wines keep longer without souring while lowering alcohol content.
Getting drunk would have been difficult even drinking wine exclusively.
Drunkenness Viewed as Foolishness and Sin
Despite wine’s prevalence, the Bible consistently treats overindulging alcohol and drunkenness negatively. Several verses call drunkenness “debauchery” (Romans 13:13) and associate it with folly. For example, Proverbs 20:1 states, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
Drunken behavior can damage one’s relationship with God.
Biblical figures negatively depict those who overindulge. Noah became drunk after the Flood and acted shamefully (Genesis 9:20-23). Lot’s daughters got him drunk to commit incestuous acts (Genesis 19:30-36). Even for kings, overdrinking wine could lead to poor judgment (Proverbs 31:4-5).
The Bible promotes wisdom and self-control instead of overindulgence.
Percentage of wine by volume in biblical times | 10-14% ABV |
Percentage of wine by volume today on average | 12-15% ABV |
For more biblical perspectives on alcohol use and drunkenness see the Bible Study Tools topical verse list or Got Questions’ article on what the Bible says about alcohol.
Bible Verses on Drinking in Moderation
Old Testament Guidelines
The Old Testament provides some guidance regarding alcohol consumption. In Proverbs 31:4-5, King Lemuel’s mother warns him not to drink wine or strong drink, as it can cloud one’s judgment. However, drinking alcohol in moderation appears acceptable.
Ecclesiastes 9:7 encourages people to enjoy wine and food as gifts from God. Psalm 104:14-15 also indicates that wine can make people’s hearts glad. Overall, the Old Testament seems to promote the responsible use of alcohol in moderation.
Jesus’s First Miracle and Wine
In the New Testament, one of Jesus’s first miracles was turning water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1-11). This indicates that Jesus did not forbid drinking wine. Theologians believe the wine Jesus miraculously produced was high-quality and non-intoxicating.
However, it does show that Jesus allowed and even contributed to the appropriate use of alcohol at celebratory events. This aligns with many of Paul’s later recommendations about drinking in moderation.
Paul’s Letters Recommend Moderation
The apostle Paul provided specific guidelines regarding alcohol use in several New Testament letters. He instructed believers not to get drunk on wine but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). He also told Timothy to drink a little wine for his stomach’s sake rather than only drinking water (1 Timothy 5:23).
Overall, Paul promoted the moderate consumption of alcohol, not abstinence or drunkenness. He seemed to acknowledge alcohol could be used wisely in some circumstances.
Clear Warnings Against Drunkenness
Multiple Verses Condemn Overindulgence
The Bible contains numerous clear warnings against drunkenness and overindulging in alcohol. According to GotQuestions.org, there are at least 20 Bible verses that condemn drunkenness and gluttony.
For example, Proverbs 23:29-35 vividly describes the foolishness of those who linger long at the wine and gives strong warnings against the allure of drunkenness. It asks rhetorically, “Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises?
Who has bloodshot eyes?” and then answers, “It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks.”
Similarly, Ephesians 5:18 instructs plainly, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” It contrasts drunkenness with living by the Spirit’s power and control.
The verse is clear – drunkenness leads to reckless and foolish choices, but walking in step with the Spirit leads to wisdom and discernment.
Specific Instructions for Church Leaders
In his letters appointing Titus and Timothy as leaders over the early churches, the apostle Paul gave explicit instructions that they should not overindulge in alcohol. For example, 1 Timothy 3:8 says that deacons must not be “addicted to much wine.”
And Titus 1:7 says that an overseer must be “not given to drunkenness.”
Paul understood that excessive drinking could disqualify someone from a respected position of leadership within the church. While moderate drinking may have been permitted, drunkenness showed a lack of wisdom and self-control that was unfitting for those who were to lead by godly example.
Calls to Support Recovering Addicts
Do Not Cause Others to Stumble
The Bible calls on believers to be sensitive and compassionate towards those struggling with alcohol addiction. We must be careful not to cause others to stumble in their faith by pressuring them to drink or by drinking excessively around them (Romans 14:13-23).
Here are some ways we can support recovering alcoholics:
- Avoid drinking around them, especially in early recovery. Your freedom should not cause their downfall.
- Be understanding if they need to avoid events where alcohol is present.
- Don’t judge their struggle or make light of addiction. It is a serious disease that requires much support.
- Listen without condemnation when they share their experience.
- Offer to assist them in finding treatment programs or support groups.
- Check in regularly and ask how you can help meet their needs.
- Pray for them and provide spiritual encouragement.
Studies show that social support is vital for long-term recovery success. By rallying around those fighting alcoholism, we obey Christ’s command to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).
Love and Restore One Another
The church should be a place of healing, not judgement, for those recovering from alcohol abuse. As Galatians 6:1 states, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”
Here are some ways churches can show Christ’s love to alcoholics:
- Preach grace, mercy and forgiveness. Do not shame people for their addictions.
- Start recovery ministries and support groups. Provide a welcoming space for people to share openly.
- Equip leaders to counsel those struggling with addiction. Refer to Christian treatment centers if needed.
- Allow testimonies of God’s deliverance from alcoholism. This gives hope to others.
- Partner with community organizations assisting recovering addicts. Offer volunteers, donations, facilities.
- Invite guest speakers who are in long-term recovery to share their journey.
As Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, meeting together provides encouragement vital to overcoming trials like alcoholism. By showing Christlike compassion, churches reveal God’s heart for restoring the brokenhearted.
Leaving Room for Personal Conviction
Each Person’s Conscience Matters
When it comes to the issue of alcohol consumption, the Bible does not explicitly prohibit drinking alcohol in moderation. However, believers are called to carefully examine their motives and actions to ensure they align with Biblical principles of self-control, avoiding drunkenness, and considering how their choices impact others (Romans 14:13-23).
Christians have differing views on alcohol based on their conscience and interpretation of Scripture. For some, abstaining from alcohol is a personal conviction rooted in a desire to avoid any potential for drunkenness or addiction.
Others feel comfortable with moderate drinking in accordance with Biblical parameters. Both views aim to honor God and should be respected.
Rather than issuing legalistic mandates, the Bible allows room for the Holy Spirit to guide each person’s conscience on matters not directly forbidden in Scripture. When Christians extend grace and freedom to one another on debatable issues, while also gently exhorting each other to godly wisdom and restraint, it reflects the heart of Christ (Galatians 5:13-14).
Focus on Living Responsibly
Regardless of whether a believer abstains from alcohol or not, the emphasis should remain on exercising wise judgment and sound decision-making when it comes to consumption habits.
Here are some principles for Christians to keep in mind:
- Avoid drinking in excess or dependency (Ephesians 5:18). Keep alcohol intake minimal.
- Do not pressure others to drink or get drunk (Habakkuk 2:15).
- Be sure your motives are pure and alcohol does not dull your spiritual walk (1 Peter 5:8).
- Consider any substance abuse tendency you may have and limit intake accordingly (Proverbs 23:20).
- Abstain from drinking if you feel conviction that it is unwise or unhealthy for you personally.
- Be mindful of believers recovering from alcohol addiction and limit intake in their presence (Romans 14:21).
- Do not drink under the legal age limit or if pregnant.
- Avoid drinking and driving or allowing intoxicated individuals to drive.
The goal should be living responsibly while seeking to honor God in all things – whether enjoying an occasional drink or abstaining altogether (Colossians 3:17). When Christians thoughtfully follow their conscience, the Spirit will lead them into truth and wisdom (John 16:13).
Conclusion
In reviewing dozens of Bible verses, we see that Scripture does not outright forbid drinking alcohol. However, it clearly condemns drunkenness and addiction in no uncertain terms.
The Bible promotes personal moderation and responsible use of alcohol. It also emphasizes supporting recovering addicts and not causing other believers to stumble.
Ultimately, the Bible leaves room for personal conviction. The key is focusing on living a responsible, Christ-like life rather than demanding others agree with our stance.