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    In Context

    What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol — In Biblical Context

    The Bible does not prohibit all alcohol use but strongly condemns drunkenness and urges believers to exercise wisdom, self-control, and concern for others.

    Quick Answer

    The Bible does not prohibit all alcohol use but strongly condemns drunkenness and urges believers to exercise wisdom, self-control, and concern for others.

    "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." — Ephesians 5:18 (KJV)

    The Biblical Context

    Scripture's position on alcohol is nuanced. Jesus turned water into wine at Cana (John 2:1-11). Paul told Timothy, 'Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake' (1 Timothy 5:23). Psalm 104:15 says wine 'maketh glad the heart of man.' However, the Bible consistently condemns drunkenness: 'Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit' (Ephesians 5:18). Proverbs 20:1 warns, 'Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.' Proverbs 23:29-35 vividly describes alcohol's destructive effects. Romans 14:21 teaches that believers should avoid anything that causes a brother to stumble. Leaders in the church are to be 'not given to wine' (1 Timothy 3:3). The principle is moderation, self-control, and love for others — never using liberty as an occasion for the flesh (Galatians 5:13).

    Where It Sits in Scripture

    The core passage for this question, Ephesians 5:18, sits inside Ephesians 5. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.

    "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit."
    — Ephesians 5:18 (KJV)

    Supporting Passages

    Proverbs 20:1
    "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
    Romans 14:21
    "It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak."

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