What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol & Drinking?
What the Bible teaches about wine, drunkenness, and moderation.
What does the Bible say about alcohol and drinking? Explore KJV verses about wine, drunkenness, sobriety, and biblical principles of moderation.
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." — Proverbs 20:1 (KJV)
The Bible's teaching on alcohol is nuanced. Wine is mentioned hundreds of times in Scripture — sometimes positively, sometimes negatively. While the Bible does not forbid all alcohol consumption, it consistently condemns drunkenness and calls believers to sobriety and self-control.
Key Scriptures About Alcohol & Drinking
Proverbs 20:1
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."Read in context
Ephesians 5:18
"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit."Read in context
1 Timothy 5:23
"Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities."Read in context
Proverbs 23:20-21
"Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags."Read in context
Galatians 5:21
"Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."Read in context
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."Read in context
Wine in the Bible — Not All Negative
Wine is often mentioned positively in Scripture. Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding (John 2:1-11). Paul advised Timothy to use a little wine for his health (1 Timothy 5:23). Psalm 104:15 says God gave wine 'that maketh glad the heart of man.' The Bible does not teach total abstinence as a blanket rule.
The Clear Prohibition Against Drunkenness
While moderate consumption is permitted, drunkenness is consistently condemned. Ephesians 5:18 commands believers not to be 'drunk with wine' but to be 'filled with the Spirit.' Galatians 5:21 lists drunkenness among sins that prevent inheriting the kingdom of God. Proverbs 20:1 warns that being deceived by alcohol is unwise.
A Prayer About Alcohol & Drinking
Lord, grant me wisdom and self-control in all areas of my life. Help me to be sober-minded and filled with Your Spirit rather than controlled by any substance. May my choices reflect Your wisdom and honor Your name. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol & Drinking
Quick answers to the most common questions about what the Bible says on alcohol & drinking.
Is drinking alcohol a sin?
The Bible does not categorically call drinking alcohol a sin. Jesus Himself drank wine (Luke 7:34) and turned water into wine (John 2). However, drunkenness is clearly condemned (Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 5:21). The biblical principle is moderation, self-control, and being mindful of how our choices affect others (Romans 14:21).
Did Jesus drink wine?
Yes. The Bible records Jesus drinking wine (Luke 7:34) and His first miracle was turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11). Jesus lived in a culture where wine was a common beverage, and He participated in that custom without sin.
What is the main Bible verse about alcohol & drinking?
Proverbs 20:1 is one of the clearest scriptures on alcohol & drinking: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." (KJV). It anchors the broader biblical teaching summarized on this page.
How many Bible verses talk about alcohol & drinking?
Where does the Bible first mention alcohol & drinking?
The earliest passage on this list is Proverbs 20:1, in the book of Proverbs. Scripture's full teaching on alcohol & drinking unfolds across both testaments — see all 6 verses above for the broader picture.
Is alcohol & drinking a sin according to the Bible?
What does the Bible say about alcohol and drinking? Explore KJV verses about wine, drunkenness, sobriety, and biblical principles of moderation. The verses above lay out exactly what the KJV teaches so you can weigh the question for yourself in light of Scripture.
Common Bible Questions About Alcohol & Drinking
Specific questions Christians ask about alcohol & drinking — each answered with KJV scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol?
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