What Does The Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol?

by Alonzo Gaskill

hands holding glasses of alcohol doing a

While the consumption of alcohol is culturally acceptable in most of the world, in reality, many religions traditions counsel against drinking alcoholic beverages. Muslims, Jains, members of the Sikh Khalsa, certain branches of Buddhism, Seventh-day Adventists, and Latter-day Saint Christians, just to name a few, all discourage the consumption of alcohol. And the Bible is no different. While the biblical text acknowledges—in a time when there was no means of sanitizing water—that alcohol was a common drink; it also strongly counsels against getting drunk or drinking to excess. Here are a few of the most important Bible verses which speak about drunkenness.

Indicative of the casual culture of our day, and sounding almost like a “Frat Party,” the Apostle Paul counseled, “Behave properly… Don't go to wild parties or get drunk.” (CEV Romans 13:13) Similarly, the Prophet Isaiah wrote: “Woe to those who are unmatched in their consumption of wine and unsurpassed in mixing drinks.” (NCB Isaiah 5:22) In other words, Isaiah talks about individuals who are praised by their friends for being exceedingly heavy partiers, and he condemns the development of such a persona. Isaiah added, “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!” (KJV Isaiah 5:11) Simply put, the religious who drink heavily, “are foolish because of too much pleasure and too much wine.” (CEV Hosea 4:11) Thus, the proverb counsels, “Don't be a heavy drinker.” (CEV Proverbs 23:20)

The Bible not only counsels against the heavy consumption of alcohol, but it also encourages us to avoid “playing with fire.” Hence, the Book of Proverbs advises, “Don't even look at that colorful stuff bubbling up in the glass!” (CEV Proverbs 23:31) How many have become addicted to alcohol or drugs because they were “just curious”? Thus, this verse warns us to not even look, let alone partake. Part of avoiding tempting situations consists of staying away from those who would tempt us. Regarding those who “get drunk,” the Apostle Paul advised, “Don't even eat with them!” (CEV 1 Corinthians 5:11) However, Paul also counseled us to not be the source of temptation for others. “It is best not to…drink wine or do anything else that causes problems for other followers of the Lord,” Paul said. (CEV Romans 14:21) Similarly, in the Old Testament Book of Habakkuk, we read: “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies!” (NIV Habakkuk 2:15) Essentially, the biblical text warns us against tempting situations, tempting people, and even acting as a temptation to others.

The Bible makes frequent reference to religious leaders and their consumption of alcohol. For example, we’re told that Deacons “must not drink too much wine.” (EEB 1 Timothy 3:8) And “a bishop must…not [be] given to wine.” (KJV Titus 1:7) To Aaron and his sons (who served in God’s temple), the Lord commanded, “Do not drink wine nor strong drink.” (KJV Leviticus 10:9) And Isaiah taught that “Priests and prophets stumble because they are drunk. Their minds are too confused to receive God's messages or give honest decisions.” (CEV Isaiah 28:7) Of course, Noah famously got inebriated and passed out: “One day he got drunk and was lying naked in his tent.” (CEV Genesis 9:21) Leaders of religions and congregations are counseled to be beyond reproach when it comes to things like substance abuse. Otherwise, they will not enjoy the Spirit of God to inspire their work.

Like religious leaders, political leaders are also advised (in the Bible) against getting drunk: “Kings and leaders should not get drunk or even want to drink. Drinking makes you forget your responsibilities, and you mistreat the poor. Beer and wine are only for the dying or for those who have lost all hope.” (CEV Proverbs 31:4-6) The suggestion is that alcohol has its place, namely, to numb the pain of death or a hopeless situation. However, leaders of nations should not drink—as they will neglect their duties, abuse their subjects, and be poor leaders because of their dulled senses.

So, what does the Bible have to say about the consequences of drinking too much alcohol? There are numerous warnings. For example, in the Book of Proverbs, we’re told that those who “drink too much become poor. They sleep too much and end up wearing rags.” (ERV Proverbs 23:21) Like the leader who drinks and neglects his work as king, prime minister, or president, heavy drinkers seldom excel in life, as they struggle to focus on the things which matter most, all the while squandering their income on drink instead of housing or clothing. Another consequence of drinking is found in this proverb: “It isn't smart to get drunk! Drinking makes a fool of you and leads to fights.” (CEV Proverbs 20:1) In support of this, Proverbs 23 describes a familiar scene: “Who is always in trouble? Who argues and fights? Who has cuts and bruises? Whose eyes are red? Everyone who stays up late, having just one more drink. Don't even look at that colorful stuff bubbling up in the glass! It goes down so easily, but later it bites like a poisonous snake. You will see weird things, and your mind will play tricks on you. You will feel tossed about like someone trying to sleep on a ship in a storm. You will be bruised all over, without even remembering how it all happened. And you will lie awake asking, ‘When will morning come, so I can drink some more?’” (CEV Proverbs 23:29-35) The drunkard often gets in fights, wakes up with unexplained injuries, and loses his wallet, keys, or cellphone, all because of the drunken stupor he gets himself in, leaving him without a recollection of the events of the previous night. Thus, the Apostle Paul counseled, “Don't destroy yourself by getting drunk, but let the Spirit fill your life.” (CEV Ephesians 5:18)

What are the consequences on our salvation of drinking “wine or beer or…anything forbidden by God's laws”? (CEV Judges 13:14) Paul pulled no punches, writing, “Drunkards” will not “inherit the kingdom of God.” (ESV 1 Corinthians 6:10) Likewise, the Lord taught: “Don't spend all of your time thinking about eating or drinking… If you do, the final [or judgement] day will suddenly catch you off guard. (CEV Luke 21:34) In Paul’s words, “People's desires make them…get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom.” (CEV Galatians 5:19 & 21) The Bible is quite clear on the dangers of drinking, its effect on our health, our wealth, our relationships, and our salvation. Perhaps this is why so many faith traditions discourage the consumption of alcohol for those who truly live their religion.

Bible Verses about Drunkenness

Romans 13:13 (CEV): "Behave properly… Don't go to wild parties or get drunk."
Isaiah 5:22 (NCB): "Woe to those who are unmatched in their consumption of wine and unsurpassed in mixing drinks."
Proverbs 23:20 (CEV): "Don't be a heavy drinker."
Proverbs 23:31 (CEV): "Don't even look at that colorful stuff bubbling up in the glass!"
1 Corinthians 5:11 (CEV): "Don't even eat with them!"
Romans 14:21 (CEV): "It is best not to…drink wine or do anything else that causes problems for other followers of the Lord."
Ephesians 5:18 (CEV): "Don't destroy yourself by getting drunk, but let the Spirit fill your life."
1 Corinthians 6:10 (ESV): "Drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God."

3/1/2024 7:49:55 PM

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About Alonzo L. Gaskill, PhD

Alonzo L. Gaskill is a Professor of Church history and doctrine. He holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, a masters in theology, and a PhD in biblical studies.