The Bible addresses the topic of drinking alcohol with a balanced approach. It neither outright forbids the consumption of alcohol nor encourages its abuse. Instead, it warns against drunkenness, highlights its potential dangers, and offers guidelines for moderation and wisdom.
1. Alcohol as a Blessing When Used Wisely
The Bible acknowledges that wine and other alcoholic beverages can be enjoyed as a gift from God when used in moderation.
- Psalm 104:14-15 (NIV):
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.” - Ecclesiastes 9:7 (NIV):
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” - John 2:1-11 (NIV):
Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana, His first recorded miracle, suggesting that wine can be part of joyous celebrations.
2. Warnings Against Drunkenness
The Bible explicitly warns against drunkenness, emphasizing its destructive consequences.
- Ephesians 5:18 (NIV):
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” - Proverbs 20:1 (NIV):
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” - Isaiah 5:11 (NIV):
“Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine.” - Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV):
Drunkenness is listed as one of the acts of the sinful nature, which prevents inheriting the kingdom of God:
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.”
3. Caution and Self-Control
Believers are called to exercise self-control and wisdom in all things, including drinking alcohol.
- 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV):
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.” - Proverbs 23:29-35 (NIV):
This passage graphically describes the dangers of excessive drinking:
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.”
4. Alcohol and Leadership
Leaders are held to a higher standard and are often advised to avoid excessive alcohol consumption to remain clear-headed and responsible.
- Proverbs 31:4-5 (NIV):
“It is not for kings, Lemuel—it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.” - 1 Timothy 3:2-3 (NIV):
Overseers (church leaders) must not be given to drunkenness:
“Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”
5. Alcohol and Health
The Bible suggests that alcohol can have medicinal benefits when used appropriately.
- 1 Timothy 5:23 (NIV):
“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” - Luke 10:34 (NIV):
In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, wine is used as a disinfectant for wounds:
“He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.”
6. Alcohol and Stumbling Blocks
Believers are cautioned to avoid behaviors, including drinking, that could cause others to stumble in their faith.
- Romans 14:21 (NIV):
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.” - 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV):
“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
Biblical Balance
While the Bible permits the consumption of alcohol, it consistently warns against its misuse. The principles can be summarized as follows:
- Enjoy Moderation:
Alcohol is not inherently sinful when used responsibly and in moderation.- Ecclesiastes 3:13 (NIV):
“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”
- Ecclesiastes 3:13 (NIV):
- Avoid Drunkenness:
Drunkenness leads to sin and poor judgment.- Ephesians 5:18 (NIV):
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
- Ephesians 5:18 (NIV):
- Prioritize Others’ Well-being:
Abstain from alcohol if it might harm someone else’s conscience or faith.- Romans 14:21 (NIV):
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
- Romans 14:21 (NIV):
- Be Spiritually Vigilant:
Believers are to exercise self-control and ensure they are not mastered by anything, including alcohol.- 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV):
“I will not be mastered by anything.”
- 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV):
Conclusion
The Bible takes a balanced approach to alcohol, acknowledging its legitimate use while warning against its abuse. Drunkenness is clearly condemned, and believers are called to exercise wisdom, self-control, and consideration for others in their use of alcohol. Christians should make decisions about alcohol consumption based on biblical principles, their personal convictions, and sensitivity to others’ needs.
- Colossians 3:17 (NIV):
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”