What does God say about alcohol?
To see what God and Jesus say about alcohol, we need to turn to the bible, as it says in 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV); “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness”.
Many people feel that there are contradictions in the scriptures, but most times we are interpreting to suit what we want to hear. There are also some things to note when thinking about Christians, social drinking and what God says about moderate drinking, compared to an alcohol addiction.
What does the bible say about alcohol?
Overall though, the bible has a lot to say about alcohol, both literally and through symbols and metaphors.
When talking of alcohol, the first two scriptures I would like to mention are 1 Timothy 5:23 (ESV),
”No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments”, and Ecclesiastes 9:7 (ESV), “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.”
In the first scripture it is very specific as to the use of a little wine for one’s digestive system, and also for aliments that occur often. It is clear here though, that a person is only to take a little, so clearly not excessive.
The second scripture is for Christians, I believe, and is saying that as God’s children, He is approving of us, and we are to enjoy the blessings God provides, such as food and drink.
However, the Bible warns of the excesses of alcohol in Proverbs 23:21; “For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.” We can see here the warning of where we will end up if we decide to make a lifestyle out of drinking and eating too much.
I think at this point it is important to understand that if you have an alcoholic tendency, then I would say that abstinence would be the solution, and the first two scriptures above would not apply to us.
If you are unsure whether you have an alcoholic tendency, you may like to read my first book, Breakthrough into Recovery, where I discuss this, as well as have a few tests to help you determine this for yourself.
Paul backs up what I am saying in 1 Corinthians 6:12; “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.” The first part is saying that although we are able to do most things, some may not be moral or proper. If I have the affliction of alcoholism, to drink would lead to excess and a wayward life.
The second part refers to not coming under the bondage or power of anything, and this ties in with the first commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). We often think of a ‘god’ as something we decide to worship, but in effect, this scripture means anything that comes before God in our lives.
Here are three verses in the bible about drinking alcohol that may appear to contradict what is said above in the first two verses I mentioned.
Romans 13:13 (ESV): “Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarrelling and jealousy.” This is a clear instruction as to how to conduct ourselves as God’s children, and drunkenness is one we need to avoid.
Proverbs 20:1 (NLT): “Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.” Need I say more about this verse, as it says it all; we end up mocking others, which leads to fights, and this makes us unwise as it leads us astray.
Ephesians 5:18: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”. In this scripture it is clear that ‘excess’ is being drunk on alcohol, which in this case is wine, and that we are not to do this. Instead, it gives us the type of lifestyle we should be looking to, which is being filled with God’s Holy Spirit. It speaks here of communication with God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, and this is what God wants for us. It may seem a bit flimsy, but a relationship with our God is anything but that. In my second book, Breakthrough into Deeper Intimacy with God, I share of how to get into this closer relationship with God in a meaningful and fulfilling way.
As one who has tried the first way of living, to one who has now found a meaningful relationship with God, I can truly attest to the failure of the first way of life and how to be free of it, and can sincerely recommend the power and joy that comes from the second way of living.
For further reading, here are some brilliant Christian books on addiction, as well as a complete list of bible verses about addiction and bible verses about a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.
In addition, if you’re ready to start your recovery journey, here’s my ultimate guide to Christian recovery programmes.
I pray you find the peace and joy in a life free of alcohol, and one rooted in a deep relationship with Our Creator, God Bless.