What the Bible Says About Alcohol Abuse
This article was written and published by Faith in Recovery
In the Bible, you can read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” God wants us to take care of our bodies. Addiction to drugs and alcohol depletes our physical body and renders our relationship with Him. If you or someone you love is struggling with excessive drinking, you may want to know what the Bible says about alcohol abuse.
Does the Bible Say Not to Drink Alcohol?
Is there a way to ethically consume alcohol without putting our faith in doubt? The Bible states, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God,” 1 Corinthians 10:31. The Bible mentions the consumption of wine on numerous occasions to be merry and joyful, but the Bible clarifies that being of a drunk heart or mind is not godly. 1 Corinthians also mentions, “nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor relievers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”
Believers must understand the seriousness of drinking to get drunk. The words in the Bible make it apparent that alcohol abuse will lead to making bad choices, poverty, and a lack of passion and desire. Staying sober-minded is more critical than constant self-pleasure since alcohol is seen as a temptation. The Bible does say not to get drunk, but is drinking a small amount of alcohol considered decent?
Addiction in the Bible on Drinking
What does the Bible say about alcohol? “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” Ephesians 5:18. In times of praise or in times of hardship, we are meant to focus on God. Alcohol is often used as a coping mechanism, and minds are easily distracted away from important matters like the practice of faith and relationships with others.
Here are some Bible verses about alcohol addiction:
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” – Luke 21:34 KJV
“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” – Romans 13:13 KJV
“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 KJV
“Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.” – Ecclesiastes 9:7 KJV
What the Bible says about alcohol is that anger and other emotions strain the spirit and cause problems in life. Too much of anything is not good for the mind, body, or soul. If you or a loved one is looking to reconnect spiritually and recover from addiction, ask yourself about faith-based treatment.