bible verse for encouragement to stop drinking

The prophet Isaiah condemns those who “rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink” and engage in excessive drinking ( Isaiah 5:11-12). It portrays the physical, emotional, and relational toll of drunkenness on an individual. Proverbs 23:29-35 vividly describes the effects of drunkenness and warns against indulging in excessive alcohol consumption. (For a few examples, see Galatians 5:19-21 1 Peter 4:3.) Instead, be filled with the Spirit.' ( Ephesians 5:6) In fact, there are many verses in the Bible which speak out against drunkenness. God says, 'Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. The Bible forbids drunkenness.Īlthough the Bible never says that alcohol itself is sinful, it does say many times that drunkenness is a sin. These examples show us how alcohol can aid in relaxation, laughter, and general enjoyment. Ecclesiastes 9:7 'Go, eat your good with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved of what you do.' It was important to gather with family and friends and enjoy time together with good food and wine. Where we may have modern medicine today to help, during Biblical times they turned to alcohol to provide relief from physical pain and suffering. In New Testament times, a little wine was considered good for one’s stomach. Paul told Timothy, 'Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illness.' ( 1 Timothy 5:23)įrom this verse we learn that Timothy had many illnesses and Paul instructs him to use wine to help with his strength and ailments. The Bible allows Christians to drink alcohol for medical reasons. Since the Bible doesn’t absolutely forbid alcohol, whether or not you should drink as an adult becomes a personal decision you have to make for yourself.Īlthough I cannot make that decision for you, I can share with you 6 things the Bible does say about drinking alcohol: 1. God commands us to obey laws like these when He says, 'Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.' ( Romans 13:1) If you disobey the law, then you’re also disobeying God.īut what about after you turn 21? Is it okay for a Christian to drink then? Although there are some situations in which the Bible forbids alcohol, it never says that alcohol is always wrong. Alcohol is absolutely off-limits until you’ re 21. There’s a very simple answer to this question when it comes to teens drinking: It’s against the law.

Can you help me sort out these conflicting values? What does the Bible really say about drinking alcohol? -BethĪnswer.

Recently, I've been talking to a Christian friend who told me that it was actually okay to drink alcohol according to the Bible. I have always been taught that drinking was spoken against in the Bible and that it was wrong.

Bible verse for encouragement to stop drinking