"Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise."
Proverbs 20:1 ESV
*Attention to readers*
If you have not opened your Bible and read the Word of God today, turn off your device, and go spend time with the Lord.
This blog could never benefit you or teach you more than the Bible. If you have read your Bible today, please enjoy this article. :)
Writer's Bias
In everything I (The Young Matron) write about, I try to stick to the Scriptures as much as possible. You have nothing to learn from me, but you have everything to learn from the Word of God. However, I do want to preface this blog by saying that I may show some bias. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, the bias I bring to this topic comes with a lot of insight not everyone will experience.
My mother was a closet alcoholic, also known as a high-functioning alcoholic. To the world, she seemed pleasant, but my father and I saw a completely different story. She died when I was 16 because her body shut down from the years of alcohol abuse. Her death was probably one of the biggest senses of relief that I had felt. That may sound harsh to those of you who grew up with a normal mother, but for those of you who have had a close experience with someone who was an alcoholic, you understand. The things that I went through for years were traumatic. For years, my life was filled with so much stress, sorrow, and turmoil. That could have all been avoided had my mom not been an alcoholic.
I say all of this not to gain sympathy from you, but to emphasize that what is written in this blog does not come from a place of ignorance, but a place of experience. I have never, and will never drink alcohol. Not because alcohol is inherently sinful, because God's Word shows that it isn't, but because it is a direct path towards a sinful life. Nothing good comes from drinking alcohol, but I can tell you firsthand that all sorts of evil can come from drinking alcohol.
You may have experience of drinking alcohol done "tastefully" and in "moderation", but remember, no one becomes an alcoholic overnight.
Don't Toe the Line of Sin
"'All things are lawful,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful,' but not all things build up."
1 Corinthians 10:23
As I stated above, the Bible does not say that drinking alcohol is sinful, but should Christians drink alcohol? The Bible also doesn't say that watching tv is sinful, but should Christians watch tv? The Bible doesn't say that road rage is sinful, but should Christians road rage? You get the idea.
There are principles found throughout Scripture that answer these questions for us. I want to sum these principles up by encouraging you to not toe the line of sin. Don't ask the question, "Is it sinful?" instead, ask, "Is it beneficial to my walk with God?" My husband and I always say, "If you're asking if you should, you probably shouldn't."
"Let your eyes look directly forward,and your gaze be straight before you.Ponderthe path of your feet;then all your ways will be sure.Do not swerve to the right or to the left;turn your foot away from evil." Proverbs 4:25-27
"Sofleeyouthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along withthose who call on the Lordfrom a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22 "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but
As mentioned, drinking alcohol is not inherently sinful. Being drunk is (Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 5:11, Titus 2:3). The only way to get drunk or be a drunkard is by drinking alcohol. Many people claim to "know their limit" with alcohol consumption, that statement in itself is toeing the line of sin. Gong from unaffected to "buzzed" is only one sip away.Not only is it a sin for you to be drunk, but it can also be a sin for you to drink alcohol in front of someone (or with someone) who cannot control themselves (Romans 14:21). That means even just "drinking socially" is a very real way to toe the line of sin. If you're willing to risk falling (walking) into sin, don't make another Christian stumble with you.
If you think that drinking alcohol is harmless and is not considered toeing the line of sin, I encourage you to read this article. It is a non-biased, non-Christian, scientific-based article going over the levels of being drunk. It doesn't take much alcohol to cross over that line of sin.
Modern Alcohol Content vs. Biblical Alcohol Content
Below are two common arguments for Christians drinking alcohol:
- "But Jesus drank wine!"
- "1 Timothy 5:23 says we should drink wine."
Before getting into the point of alcohol content, I want to point out a few obvious flaws with these arguments.
- "But Jesus drank wine!"
- Yes, He did, kind of (see this article for more info).He is God (John 10:30), andHe was sinless (Hebrews 4:15). We, however, are sinful by nature and are continually lured into sin by our flesh (Romans 7:15-25).
- "1 Timothy 5:23 says we should drink wine."
- Yes, it does. It says to drink wine for our stomachs and frequent ailments, not for pleasure, fun, and enjoyment. We no longer have the same problem they did in Bible times. Our water is clean and our environments are far more sanitary. On top of all that, we have modern medicine for all of our ailments.
If those rebuttals didn't convince you, let's just get to the topic at hand. The alcohol content in today's wine is far greater than that of wine in Jesus' time. The effects of alcohol now are far more profound than they once were. It was possible to be sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8) after having wine in Bible times, it was more so just grape juice, but that isn't the case today.
I am no expert on alcohol today or in Bible times, so I would like to refer you to another article to learn more about wine in the Bible.The reason why I emphasize wine rather than other forms of alcohol is that the Bible is clear that for Christians, drinking "strong drink" is not encouraged. Even then, "strong drink" was not nearly as strong then as it is now. If it was warned against then, how much more should Christians avoid it today. To go in-depth about the difference between today's alcohol vs. Bible times alcohol, visit:
Health Effects
As a Christian, you should need no other argument to convince you that Christians should not drink alcohol other than to do what glorifies God and grows your relationship with Him. No part of drinking alcohol will achieve those goals. But, I know that there are some who need more convincing. If you still don't see the spiritual harm of drinking alcohol, look at the physical harm. While some will argue that red wine has health benefits, more recent studies will point out that that is not the case. Read here:There is no safe level of alcohol consumption.
"Ordo you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?You are not your own,for you were bought with a price.So glorify God in your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Conclusion
As a Christian, all choices that you make matter. Every choice should lead you closer to God, not further away from Him. If it isn't beneficial, don't do it. With that being said, should Christians drink alcohol? I don't generally give a straight answer in my articles, but from what Scripture says and what science shows, no, a Christian should not drink alcohol. I've seen what alcohol can do to a person, and there is nothing that could possibly be worth the risk of falling into the sinful trap of drunkenness. If you wouldn't tell someone that taking a small dose of cocaine is fine, why would you feel any different towards alcohol?
"Be sober-minded;be watchful. Youradversary the devilprowls aroundlike a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
1 Peter 5:8
"Wine is a mocker,strong drink a brawler,and whoeveris led astray by it is not wise."
Proverbs 20:1
"Who has woe? Who has sorrow?Who has strife? Who has complaining?Who haswounds without cause?Who hasredness of eyes?Those whotarry long over wine;those who go to trymixed wine.Do not look at wine when it is red,when it sparkles in the cupand goes down smoothly.In the end itbites like a serpentand stings like an adder.Your eyes will see strange things,and your heart utterperverse things.You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,like one who lies on the top of a mast. 'Theystruck me,' you will say, 'but I was not hurt;they beat me, but I did not feel it.When shall I awake?Imust have another drink.'"
Proverbs 23:29-35
"Anddo not get drunk with wine, for that isdebauchery, butbe filled with the Spirit,"
Ephesians 5:18
"Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior,not slanderersor slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,"
Titus 2:3
"It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble."
Romans 14:21
"Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich."
Proverbs 21:17
Author
The Young Matron
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citations
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright ©2001 byCrossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
FAQs
Is it a sin for Christians to drink alcohol? ›
But the Bible goes further than admitting that drinking is simply allowed. Throughout Scripture, the production and consumption of beer and wine are often connected to the covenant promises of God. Under the old covenant, wine is a blessing (Deut 7:13; 11:14) and the absence of wine a curse (28:39, 51).
Do most Christians drink alcohol? ›Among U.S. Christians, for example, Catholics are more likely than Protestants to say they've consumed alcohol in the past 30 days (60% vs. 51%).
Is it wise to drink alcohol? ›The risks and harms associated with drinking alcohol have been systematically evaluated over the years and are well documented.
What does the Bible say about drinking and partying? ›The Bible does present drunkenness as something to avoid and resist. Why? Because drunkenness opposes the goods of sober-mindedness, alertness, and freedom. The Proverbs equates addiction to strong drinks with folly that destroys lives as opposed to the wisdom that gives life.
Where in the Bible does it say a drunkard will not enter heaven? ›[10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. [11] And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Was the wine in the Bible alcoholic? ›The production capacity apparent from archaeological remains and the frequent biblical references to wine suggest that it was the principal alcoholic beverage of the ancient Israelites.
What religion allows you to drink alcohol? ›Neopagan and Wiccan religions also allow for the use of alcohol for ritual purposes as well as for recreation.
What does the Bible say about a strong drink? ›Prov. 31. [4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: [6] Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
Which religion drinks the most alcohol in the world? ›There is perhaps no religion that loves alcohol as much as the Japanese Shinto religion, which reveres sake as the most sacred of drinks—the “liquor of the gods.” The god of sake is also the god of rice and the harvest, so drinking sake is associated with a bountiful and blessed harvest.
Why is it okay to drink alcohol? ›Helps Your Heart. If you're in good shape, moderate drinking makes you 25% to 40% less likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or hardened arteries. This may be in part because small amounts of alcohol can raise your HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, boosts your risk of heart disease.
Does it need to be drank or drunk? ›
⚡ Quick summary. Drank and drunk are forms of the irregular verb drink. Drank is the past tense form, as in I drank two glasses of water last night. Drunk is the past participle, as in She had drunk three cups of coffee before 9 a.m.
How is it OK to drink alcohol? ›What is moderate drinking? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink, or to drink in moderation by limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men or 1 drink or less in a day for women, on days when alcohol is consumed.
Why is alcohol called spirits Bible? ›Alcohol was once thought to have mystical properties that could turn common metals into gold. This magical essence, which was believed to be the substance's life force, was referred to as having a “spirit.”
What does the Bible say about alcohol intoxication? ›Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” In most cases, you can replace alcohol with drugs and the meaning of the line remains the same.
But in the ancient Middle East, the writers of the Hebrew Bible forbade tattooing. Per Leviticus 19:28, “You shall not make gashes in your flesh for the dead, or incise any marks on yourselves.”
Who was the drunkard person in the Bible? ›See, Noah worked hard and apparently partied pretty hard, too. He drank of the fruit of his vines, then, as the verse says, “became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent” (Genesis 9:21).
Where in the Bible does it say they that are drunk are drunk in the night? ›1 Thessalonians 5:6-11 King James Version (KJV)
Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
The court in that case held that an habitual drunkard is a person given to inebriety or excessive use of intoxicating drinks, and who has lost the power or will by frequent indulgence to control his appetite for it.
Was there beer in biblical times? ›Ancient Israelites, with the possible exception of a few teetotaling Nazirites and their moms, proudly drank beer—and lots of it. Men, women and even children of all social classes drank it. Its consumption in ancient Israel was encouraged, sanctioned and intimately linked with their religion.
Is unfermented wine alcoholic? ›The bottom line is this: without yeast, there would be no alcohol. Fermentation, when it comes to beverages, anyway, means alcohol. No yeast, no fermentation, no alcohol.
Is it forbidden to eat pork in the Bible? ›
In Leviticus 11:27, God forbids Moses and his followers to eat swine “because it parts the hoof but does not chew the cud.” Furthermore, the prohibition goes, “Of their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch; they are unclean to you.” That message is later reinforced in Deuteronomy.
Which religion doesn t drink alcohol? ›Drinking alcohol is considered haram, or forbidden, in Islam. As proof of the prohibition, Islamic scholars and Muslim religious authorities typically point to a verse in the Quran, the Muslim holy book, that calls intoxicants “the work of Satan” and tells believers to avoid them.
Do Free Will Baptist believe in alcohol? ›Free Will Baptist congregations hold differing views on eschatology, with some holding premillennial and others amillennial views. Churches advocate (voluntary) tithing, totally abstaining from alcoholic beverages, and not working on Sunday, the Christian Sabbath.
Do Jehovah Witnesses drink alcohol? ›The denomination requires adherence to a strict moral code, which forbids premarital sex, homosexuality, gender transitioning, adultery, smoking, drunkenness and drug abuse, and blood transfusions.
What does Proverbs 31 say about alcohol? ›It is not for kings, O Lemuel— not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
What does Proverbs say about alcohol? ›Proverbs itself condemns drunkenness: Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 23:20-21 Be not among winebibbers, or among gluttonous eaters of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.
What Scripture says do not be drunk with wine? ›that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, would value me.
What is the number 1 alcoholic country? ›Looking at the amount of alcohol consumed per person aged 15 years or older, the Seychelles is in first place with around 20.5 litres of alcohol drunk per person per year, according to Our World in Data; studies show that young male peer groups primarily drink high amounts of alcohol in the Seychelles.
What religion can't have caffeine? ›Mormons believe God revealed in 1833 the foods and substances that are good and bad for people to consume. Liquor, tobacco, tea and coffee were prohibited.
What is the least harmful alcohol to drink? ›Red wine, whiskey, tequila, and hard kombucha are healthier options than beer and sugary drinks. The CDC recommends you limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day if you're male and 1 if you're female.
What are the 4 types of drinker? ›
- Social drinking. To date, nearly all the research on drinking motives has been done on teens and young adults. ...
- Drinking to conform. ...
- Drinking for enhancement. ...
- Drinking to cope.
NIAAA defines heavy drinking as follows: For men, consuming more than 4 drinks on any day or more than 14 drinks per week. For women, consuming more than 3 drinks on any day or more than 7 drinks per week.
Is it OK if I don't drink alcohol? ›In a world where alcohol seems to be omnipresent, it's important to remember that there is nothing wrong with you for not drinking. Especially if you choose not to drink to overcome addiction or tackle another health problem, you are doing the right thing and it is very brave.
Is it okay to drink but not get drunk? ›But in reality, if someone drinks a lot and never seems to get drunk, they have developed a high tolerance for alcohol. Tolerance occurs because of your body's remarkable ability to process alcohol. Unlike with other drugs, your body actually tries to adapt to alcohol's persistent presence.
Can a person be drunk without drinking? ›Auto brewery syndrome is also known as gut fermentation syndrome and endogenous ethanol fermentation. It's sometimes called “drunkenness disease.” This rare condition makes you intoxicated — drunk — without drinking alcohol. This happens when your body turns sugary and starchy foods (carbohydrates) into alcohol.
What can I drink instead of alcohol? ›- Soda and fresh lime. Proof that simple is still the best.
- Berries in iced water. This summery drink will keep you refreshed and revitalised.
- Kombucha. ...
- Virgin bloody Mary. ...
- Virgin Mojito. ...
- Half soda/half cranberry juice and muddled lime. ...
- Soda and fresh fruit. ...
- Mocktails.
Produced In: Vodka is made everywhere and is traditionally known as a spirit from Russia and Poland. Styles: The base typically distinguishes clear vodka it was distilled from and/or the region it was produced. Flavored vodkas are a popular category.
What kind of alcohol is a spirit? ›Spirits are distilled alcoholic beverages. Some of the more popular examples of spirits include tequila, rum, gin, vodka, whiskey, and bourbon. It's hard to pinpoint the exact origin of distilled liquors, but scholars' best guess puts the first distillation around the thirteenth century.
Is whiskey a spirit? ›What is Spirit? Traditional pure spirits are made from grains or other plants with the main six pure spirits being gin, vodka, brandy, tequila, rum and whisky, all of which have a high alcohol content of usually over 38% ABV.
Can Christians drink coffee? ›Coffee is an acceptable vice. Unlike alcohol, which many evangelicals either abstain from or approach warily, coffee has been enthusiastically embraced. On other hand, some Christians give yoga the stink eye because of its Hindu origins.
Where in the Bible does it say to drink wine? ›
In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul encourages Timothy to use a little wine or grape products for his stomach's sake.
What does the Bible say about cremation? ›What does the Bible say about cremation? According to most Biblical study websites, there is no explicit scriptural command for or against cremation. There are no passages that forbid cremation, according to most Biblical scholars.
What does God say about dogs? ›Philippians 3:2: “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” Proverbs 26:11: “As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly.” Luke 16:21: “And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.”
Can Christians eat pork? ›In Abrahamic religions, eating pig flesh is clearly forbidden by Jewish (kashrut), Islamic (halal) and Adventist (kosher animals) dietary laws. Although Christianity is also an Abrahamic religion, most of its adherents do not follow these aspects of Mosaic law and are permitted to consume pork.
Where in Bible does it say not to cuss? ›Jesus tells his listeners in Matthew 5:34 "to swear not at all" and in here presents examples of unacceptable swearing.
Can Christians kiss before marriage? ›Ultimately, the decision comes down between the Christian couple and God. It is a matter of the heart and the Christian couple's intentions. Kissing in and of itself is not sin, yet if it would lead one or both of the Christians to fall into temptation, it should not be practiced.
At what point does drinking become a problem? ›Health care providers consider your drinking medically unsafe when you drink: Many times a month, or even many times a week. 3 to 4 drinks (or more) in 1 day. 5 or more drinks on one occasion monthly, or even weekly.
Does God say it's OK to drink wine? ›Christians are allowed by God to drink alcohol, but we are forbidden to get drunk. “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18; also see Proverbs 20:1, 23:20, Isaiah 5:22). This is a command from the Spirit-inspired apostle.
What is the difference between wine and alcohol in the Bible? ›It is important to mention when the Bible mentions “wine” it is not referencing the wine most of us enjoy today. It may not even be referring to an alcoholic beverage at all. Wine in the bible can refer to just simple grape juice or wine that does not exceed an alcoholic content of about 10%.
How important is wine in the Bible? ›For this reason, it's no surprise that Hebrew scripture depicts wine as a sign of God's blessing (Genesis 27:28, Deuteronomy 7:13, Amos 9:24). The Christian New Testament reports that Jesus' first public miracle occurred at the wedding at Cana, where he turned water into wine.
Is it a sin to sleep in the same bed before marriage? ›
' If the Bible does not permit having sex or living together before marriage, sleeping in the same bed would not be pleasing to God either. In Hebrews 13, the Bible talks about honoring the marriage bed by keeping it pure. The ESV Bible translation says “let the marriage bed undefiled”.
Is cuddling a sin before marriage? ›No, it's not sinful, but it is unwise. The act that God deems sinful is sex before marriage, not kissing or cuddling.
What is a biblical kiss? ›The Holy Kiss Implied Full Acceptance
In New Testament times, a kiss on the cheek was used for greeting and implied friendship and acceptance. A kiss of greeting between Christians implied that no elite groups existed and that all were equally loved and accepted—not only by God—but by one other.
Ongoing use of alcohol or drugs can lead to numerous health concerns including liver failure, heart problems and certain types of cancer. Therefore, abstinence can improve your mood, concentration, energy and sleep, and long-term benefits of sobriety are only positive.”
How can I tell if I'm an alcoholic? ›- Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do so.
- Spending a lot of time drinking, getting alcohol or recovering from alcohol use.
- Feeling a strong craving or urge to drink alcohol.
WE LEARN in the New Testament that Jesus ate fish from the Sea of Galilee, and, after the resurrection, that he even cooked fish and bread over coals for himself and his disciples (John 21.9). “We certainly know that Jesus ate clean unpolluted fish almost every day of his life,” Colbert concludes.
Can Christians get tattoos? ›Some Christians take issue with tattooing, upholding the Hebrew prohibition. The Hebrew prohibition is based on interpreting Leviticus 19:28—"Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you"—so as to prohibit tattoos. Interpretations of the passage vary, however.