As followers of Christ, it’s important to understand what the Bible says about drinking in moderation. Throughout Scripture, there are passages that offer wisdom on how to approach alcohol responsibly. Let’s explore these verses and see how they can guide our choices and actions in everyday life.
Bible Verses About Drinking In Moderation
1 Timothy 5:23 – Moderation is key for health
“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” – 1 Timothy 5:23
Proverbs 20:1 – Excessive drinking can lead to trouble
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” – Proverbs 20:1
Ephesians 5:18 – Avoid drunkenness, seek the Spirit
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” – Ephesians 5:18
Proverbs 23:20-21 – Beware of the company that indulges
“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.” – Proverbs 23:20-21
Galatians 5:19-21 – Recognize the fruits of uncontrolled behavior
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” – Galatians 5:19-21
1 Corinthians 6:10 – Drunkenness has consequences
“Nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:10
Romans 14:21 – Consider others in your choices
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.” – Romans 14:21
1 Peter 4:3 – Aim for a life that reflects God’s glory
“For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.” – 1 Peter 4:3
Isaiah 5:22-23 – Woe to those who abuse drink
“Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice to the innocent.” – Isaiah 5:22-23
1 Corinthians 10:31 – Whatever you do, do it all for God’s glory
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Proverbs 31:4-5 – Kings should not indulge
“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.” – Proverbs 31:4-5
Matthew 26:29 – Drinking in a spirit of fellowship
“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.” – Matthew 26:29
John 2:10 – Quality over quantity in enjoyment
“And said to him, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” – John 2:10
Proverbs 31:6-7 – A time for strong drink for healing
“Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.” – Proverbs 31:6-7
Ecclesiastes 3:13 – Enjoying life’s pleasures in moderation
“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:13
1 Peter 5:8 – Being sober-minded and alert
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
Proverbs 31:7 – The purpose of drinking wisely
“Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.” – Proverbs 31:7
1 Corinthians 11:21-22 – Partaking rightly in communion
“For, in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk.” – 1 Corinthians 11:21-22
Philippians 4:5 – Moderation in all things
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” – Philippians 4:5
Proverbs 23:29-30 – The dangers of excessive drinking
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.” – Proverbs 23:29-30
Romans 14:17 – The kingdom of God transcends earthly pleasures
“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 14:17
Matthew 11:19 – Wisdom is justified by her works
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” – Matthew 11:19
1 Timothy 3:8 – Standards for leaders
“In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.” – 1 Timothy 3:8
Proverbs 9:2 – Wisdom’s feast is abundant
“She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.” – Proverbs 9:2
Luke 7:34 – Eating and drinking with awareness
“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!’” – Luke 7:34
Proverbs 10:17 – Following wisdom leads to life
“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.” – Proverbs 10:17
Romans 13:13-14 – Live honorably as in the day
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.” – Romans 13:13-14
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 – Be alert and self-controlled
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
Proverbs 12:1 – A loving heart accepts discipline
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” – Proverbs 12:1
James 1:5 – Seek wisdom from God
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
Colossians 3:2 – Set your mind on things above
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Psalm 104:14-15 – God provides for our joy
“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.” – Psalm 104:14-15
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Football
What Does the Bible Say About Drinking in Moderation?
When we explore the Bible to understand its perspective on drinking in moderation, we find that it addresses the topic with a balanced approach. Wine and other forms of alcohol are mentioned multiple times across the scriptures, often in quite a favorable light when used appropriately.
First, let’s acknowledge that the Bible does not categorically condemn the intake of wine or other alcoholic beverages. In fact, wine holds a significant place in biblical narratives and traditions. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, wine is present in celebratory meals and rituals. For instance, Jesus performed his first miracle at the wedding in Cana by turning water into wine (John 2:1-11), which underscores its cultural and symbolic importance.
Yet, the Bible also provides clear guidance on the importance of moderation. Proverbs, for instance, furnishes us with wisdom on this topic: “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” (Proverbs 23:20-21). This advises us against excess, warning of the spiritual and physical detriments that come with overindulgence.
Moreover, the epistles of the New Testament frequently address the need for self-control and sobriety. Paul, in particular, comes across as a strong advocate for temperance. In his letters to the Ephesians, he advises, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Here, the emphasis is on remaining filled with spiritual grace rather than worldly excess.
Additionally, the Bible’s call for us to be mindful and not put ourselves into situations where we can fall into sin is highlighted in passages such as 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.”
We are reminded, however, that drinking in moderation is acceptable and can even be an aspect of our social and communal lives, as Paul advised Timothy to take a little wine for his stomach ailments (1 Timothy 5:23). This shows that alcohol, in small amounts, can serve a positive purpose.
In summary, the Bible offers a nuanced view on drinking alcohol. While it permits the consumption of wine and other alcoholic beverages, it also strongly cautions us against overindulgence and drunkenness. By practicing moderation and self-control, we can enjoy these gifts without compromising our spiritual and moral integrity.