The topic of drinking alcohol is addressed in the Bible with a focus on moderation, self-control, and the potential consequences of excess. While the scriptures do not outright condemn the use of alcohol, they do provide guidance on how to approach drinking responsibly. These verses highlight the importance of being mindful of the effects of alcohol on our bodies, relationships, and spiritual lives.
They also caution against the dangers of drunkenness and the negative impact it can have on our testimony as believers. By reflecting on these scriptures, we can gain a deeper understanding of the balance between enjoying life and practicing moderation.
As you consider these Bible verses about drinking alcohol, may they offer clarity and guidance on how to navigate this subject thoughtfully, prioritizing your faith and well-being in every decision.
Bible Verses About Drinking Alcohol
Proverbs 20:1 – Biblical Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” – Proverbs 20:1
More Related Verses:
“Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.” – Proverbs 23:31
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink.” – Proverbs 31:4
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” – Ephesians 5:18
John 2:3-5 – The Role of Wine in the Bible
“And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.” – John 2:3-4
More Related Verses:
“But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” – Matthew 26:29
“And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not.” – Mark 15:23
“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it.” – Matthew 26:27
Also read: 31 Bible Verses For Suicidal Thoughts (with Related Verses)
Isaiah 5:11 – Alcohol as a Source of Joy or Troubles?
“Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!” – Isaiah 5:11
More Related Verses:
“And in that day, the Lord of hosts shall be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people.” – Isaiah 28:5
“They that are drunken are drunken in the night.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:7
“Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” – Psalm 23:5
Philippians 4:5 – Wisdom Literature’s Warning Against Excess
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” – Philippians 4:5
More Related Verses:
“A little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” – 1 Timothy 5:23
“And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee.” – Matthew 5:29
“Every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:13
John 2:10 – Jesus’ First Miracle: Turning Water into Wine
“And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” – John 2:10
More Related Verses:
“And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” – Acts 2:4
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8
“Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.” – Proverbs 5:15
Numbers 6:3 – Alcohol and the Nazarite Vow
“He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes or dried.” – Numbers 6:3
More Related Verses:
“All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, from the kernels even to the husk.” – Numbers 6:4
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” – Galatians 5:22
“In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.” – Ecclesiastes 7:14
Ephesians 5:18 – Drunkenness and Its Consequences
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” – Ephesians 5:18
More Related Verses:
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.” – 1 Corinthians 6:9
“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:5
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” – Nehemiah 8:8
Romans 14:21 – The Importance of Moderation in Alcohol Consumption
“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” – Romans 14:21
More Related Verses:
“Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” – Romans 15:2
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” – Romans 12:5
“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.” – 1 Corinthians 8:9
Proverbs 23:20 – Alcohol’s Impact on Relationships
“Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh.” – Proverbs 23:20
More Related Verses:
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” – Proverbs 27:17
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” – Proverbs 3:24
1 Corinthians 6:12 – Alcohol and Christians: A Balancing Act
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” – 1 Corinthians 6:12
More Related Verses:
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” – 1 Corinthians 3:16
“Your body is not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” – Galatians 5:22
Isaiah 28:7 – Historical Context of Alcohol in Biblical Times
“But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they go astray through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.” – Isaiah 28:7
More Related Verses:
“Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.” – Deuteronomy 22:1
“For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7
1 Timothy 3:8 – Alcohol in Prohibitions and Guidelines
“Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre.” – 1 Timothy 3:8
More Related Verses:
“But the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.” – 1 Timothy 3:2
“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36
“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1
Romans 14:13 – Personal Choices: Abstinence vs Moderation
“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” – Romans 14:13
More Related Verses:
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
“And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” – Matthew 5:30
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” – Galatians 5:22
Ecclesiastes 3:13 – Theological Reflections on Alcohol Use
“And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:13
More Related Verses:
“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” – Psalm 24:1
“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be.” – John 12:26
“And if it is evil in your sight to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve.” – Joshua 24:15
1 Peter 5:8 – Alcohol and Church Teachings
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
More Related Verses:
“Therefore let us not sleep, as others do; but let us watch and be sober.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:6
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” – Romans 12:9
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Proverbs 23:29-30 – The Health Risks of Excessive Drinking
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babblings? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.” – Proverbs 23:29-30
More Related Verses:
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” – Proverbs 20:1
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” – Ephesians 5:18
“Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide thyself from them: thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy brother.” – Deuteronomy 22:1
1 Timothy 3:3 – Industry Influence: Alcohol Marketing and Ethics
“Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous.” – 1 Timothy 3:3
More Related Verses:
“The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.” – Proverbs 10:3
“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” – 1 Timothy 6:10
“And their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed innocent blood.” – Proverbs 1:16
Psalms 104:15 – Alcohol in Community and Celebration
“And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.” – Psalms 104:15
More Related Verses:
“I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.” – Psalms 145:1
“Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” – Psalms 37:4
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalms 46:1
Romans 14:17 – How to Approach Alcohol as a Social Element
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” – Romans 14:17
More Related Verses:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Proverbs 31:6 – Alcohol and Substance Abuse in the Bible
“Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.” – Proverbs 31:6
More Related Verses:
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
“But he that endures to the end shall be saved.” – Matthew 24:13
“Healing is found in the word of God.” – Hebrews 4:12
Luke 15:20 – Compassion for Those Struggling with Alcohol
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20
More Related Verses:
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
“For I was hungry, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.” – Matthew 25:35
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.” – Luke 22:31
Proverbs 4:7 – Influences on Young People Regarding Alcohol
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:7
More Related Verses:
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6
“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12
“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it.” – Matthew 26:27
Proverbs 21:17 – Recovery and Redemption from Alcoholism
“He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.” – Proverbs 21:17
More Related Verses:
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.” – Proverbs 3:13
Final Thoughts
The topic of drinking alcohol within the context of biblical teachings raises profound questions about moderation, caution, and the potential for both enjoyment and excess. Scripture offers a balanced view, highlighting that while wine can serve as a joy and celebratory element in community, it also warns of the pitfalls of drunkenness and addiction.
Ultimately, the teachings encourage us to reflect on our choices, embrace wisdom, and prioritize our faith over worldly practices. By deliberating on these verses, we can gain insights into living righteously in a world filled with opportunities to consume. This way, we cultivate a lifestyle that honors God while navigating the complexities surrounding alcohol responsibly.