The topic of alcohol consumption has been a subject of discussion and debate within religious circles for centuries. While some argue for the complete abstinence from alcohol, others maintain that the Bible provides nuanced perspectives on the matter.
In this article, we will explore a selection of Bible verses that shed light on the topic of drinking alcohol.
By examining these verses, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the biblical teachings surrounding alcohol and discern whether there is any indication that drinking alcohol is good within the context of Christian faith.
Bible Verses About Drinking Alcohol Is Good
1. Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
2. Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
3. 1 Corinthians 6:12
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
4. Proverbs 23:20-21
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
5. Romans 14:21
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
6. Isaiah 5:11
“Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine.”
7. Galatians 5:21
“…drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
8. Proverbs 31:4-5
“It is not for kings, Lemuel—it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.”
9. 1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
10. Titus 2:2-3
“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.”
Symbolism and Significance
11. Psalm 104:14-15
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”
12. Matthew 26:29
“I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
13. Song of Solomon 1:2
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine.”
14. John 2:1-10
“The first miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana.”
15. Isaiah 55:1
“Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
16. Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
17. Luke 7:34
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.'”
18. Genesis 14:18
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.”
19. 1 Timothy 5:23
“Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”
20. Revelation 19:9
“Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.'”
These verses shed light on the symbolic and cultural significance of wine in biblical contexts.
Emphasizing Moderation and Wisdom
21. Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
22. Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
23. 1 Corinthians 6:12
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
24. Proverbs 23:20-21
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
25. Romans 14:21
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
26. 1 Timothy 3:8
“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.”
27. Proverbs 31:4-5
“It is not for kings, Lemuel—it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.”
28. Titus 2:2-3
“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.”
29. 1 Peter 4:7
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
30. Proverbs 20:3
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
Scriptural Examples of Celebratory Wine
31. Psalm 104:14-15
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”
32. Matthew 26:29
“I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
33. John 2:1-10
“The first miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana.”
34. Psalm 104:14-15
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”
35. Ecclesiastes 3:4
“a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,”
36. Luke 7:34
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.'”
37. Genesis 14:18
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.”
38. 1 Samuel 25:18
“Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five sheep already dressed, five measures of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys.”
39. Nehemiah 8:10
“Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'”
40. Isaiah 25:6
“On this mountain, the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine—the best of meats and the finest of wines.”
Seeking Balance and Discernment
41. Romans 14:21
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
42. 1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
43. 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.”
44. Proverbs 23:29-30
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.”
45. Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
46. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
“But test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
47. 1 Corinthians 8:9
“But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.”
48. 1 Timothy 5:23
“Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”
49. Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
50. Ephesians 5:18
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Conclusion
While the Bible does not explicitly proclaim drinking alcohol as inherently “good” or “bad,” it does emphasize principles of moderation, self-control, and consideration for others.
Ultimately, the interpretation and application of these verses are deeply personal and vary among individuals and denominations. It is crucial for believers to seek wisdom and discernment in their choices regarding alcohol, always guided by the overarching principles of love, responsibility, and reverence for God.
