Throughout history, alcohol and intoxicating substances have played a significant role in society, but the Bible presents a clear picture of their dangers and spiritual consequences. God's Word consistently warns against the misuse of intoxicating beverages and calls His people to a life of sobriety, wisdom, and self-control.
A History of Intoxicating Drink in Scripture
From the earliest accounts in the Bible, we see that nothing good comes from intoxication.
Noah's Disgrace – "And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside." (Genesis 9:20-22, NKJV). Noah’s intoxication led to shame and sin.
Lot’s Drunkenness and Sin – "So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose." (Genesis 19:30-36, NKJV). Alcohol impaired Lot’s judgment, leading to sinful acts.
The Death of Nadab and Abihu – "Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD... Then the LORD spoke to Aaron, saying: ‘Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of meeting, lest you die.’" (Leviticus 10:1-9, NKJV). Here, we see a clear prohibition given to priests regarding intoxication.
The Rechabites’ Example of Obedience – "But they said, 'We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, "You shall drink no wine, you nor your sons, forever."'" (Jeremiah 35:5-6, NKJV). The Rechabites were commended for their obedience, showing the importance of self-discipline and respect for God's commands.
Sinfulness of Leading Others to Drink – "Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbor, pressing him to your bottle, even to make him drunk..." (Habakkuk 2:15, NKJV). Jewish law condemned causing another person to become drunk. This is one reason we know that when Jesus turned water into wine, He was not providing an intoxicating drink, as He was without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21, NKJV).
Alcohol’s Use in Biblical Times
The Bible does acknowledge fermented beverages, but its use was often medicinal rather than social.
Jesus Refused the Customary Death Drink – "Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart." (Proverbs 31:6, NKJV). At His crucifixion, Jesus refused the drink offered to Him: "Then they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not take it." (Mark 15:23, NKJV).
Wine as a Medicinal Aid – "So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine..." (Luke 10:34, NKJV). "No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities." (1 Timothy 5:23, NKJV). Here, wine was used as medicine, not as a social indulgence.
Drunkenness Forbidden in the New Testament
The New Testament explicitly condemns drunkenness and calls Christians to be sober-minded:
Drunkards Will Not Inherit the Kingdom – "Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:10, NKJV).
Do Not Be Drunk – "Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy." (Romans 13:13, NKJV). "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18, NKJV).
Drunkenness Causes Spiritual Weakness – "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly." (Luke 21:34, NKJV).
The Call to Sobriety – "Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober." (1 Thessalonians 5:6, NKJV). "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober..." (1 Peter 1:13, NKJV). "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8, NKJV). One drink begins the process of becoming unsober, contradicting God's command.
Works of the Flesh vs. Works of the Spirit – "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: … drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand... that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21, NKJV).
The Impact of Alcohol on the Body and Life
The Bible provides warnings about the physical, mental, and spiritual dangers of alcohol:
Loss of Wisdom and Judgment – "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise." (Proverbs 20:1, NKJV).
Impairment of Health and Memory – "Harlotry, wine, and new wine enslave the heart." (Hosea 4:11, NKJV). "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted." (Proverbs 31:4-5, NKJV).
A Life of Poverty and Struggle – "Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty..." (Proverbs 23:20-21, NKJV).
Unnecessary Suffering and Regret – Proverbs 23:29-35 describes the sorrow, contention, wounds, and deception that result from alcohol misuse.
A Christian’s Influence and Responsibility
As followers of Christ, we are called to live above reproach and maintain a godly influence:
Think on What Is Good – "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8, NKJV).
Be Ready to Answer for Your Faith – "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV).
Avoid Bringing Reproach on Christ – "Having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed." (1 Peter 3:16, NKJV).
A wise, godly person seeks to avoid the problems caused by alcohol and intoxicating substances, choosing instead to walk in the Spirit and holiness.
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