What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol?
Key Scriptures and spiritual guidance on alcohol
The Bible addresses alcohol in various places, emphasizing the importance of moderation and self-control when consuming it. While the Bible does not explicitly forbid the consumption of alcohol, it does warn against the dangers of excessive drinking and the potential for alcohol to lead to sin. Proverbs cautions against the effects of alcohol, advising that it can cause poor decision-making and harm. It also encourages believers to care for their bodies, which are temples of the Holy Spirit, by avoiding drunkenness.
Bible Verses About Alcohol
Proverbs 20:1KJV
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
Ephesians 5:18KJV
“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
1 Corinthians 6:10KJV
“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
Proverbs 23:20–21KJV
“Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”
Galatians 5:21KJV
“Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Proverbs 31:4–6KJV
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.”
1 Peter 5:8KJV
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
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