Alcohol

What do the Scriptures say about alcohol, wine and liquor? It's in the Bible, Proverbs 20:1, RSV. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whoever is led astray by it is not wise."

Why is drinking dangerous? It's in the Bible, Ephesians 5:18, TEV. "Do not get drunk with wine, which will only ruin you; instead be filled with the Spirit."

Why are kings and rulers advised to not drink alcoholic drinks? It's in the Bible, Proverbs 31:4-5, NIV. "It is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights."

With what sins is drunkenness classed? It's in the Bible, Galatians 5:19-21, NIV. "The acts of the sinful nature 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. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

What is one of the results of over-indulgence in food and drink? It's in the Bible, Proverbs 23:20-21, NIV. "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."

How do alcoholic drinks affect those who use them? It's in the Bible, Proverbs 23:29-35, TLB. "Whose heart is filled with anguish and sorrow? Who is always fighting and quarreling? Who is the man with bloodshot eyes and many wounds? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new mixtures.

Don't let the sparkle and the smooth taste of strong wine deceive you. For in the end it bites like a poisonous serpent; it stings like an adder. You will see hallucinations and have delirium tremors, and you will say foolish, silly things that would embarrass you to no end when sober. You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. And afterwards you will say, 'I didn’'t even know it when they beat me up.'"

Pure grape juice is a blessing to man. It's in the Bible, Isaiah 65:8, NKJV. "As the new wine is found in the cluster…one says, 'Do not destroy it, for a blessing is in it…'"

(For further information on Alcohol, see the Common Questions/ section.)