Drunkenness is a topic often discussed in the Bible, warning believers about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption. While the Bible doesn’t prohibit drinking, it consistently highlights the destructive consequences of drunkenness, which leads to poor decision-making and harm to oneself and others.
In this post, we will explore several Bible verses that shed light on the effects of drunkenness and offer guidance on how to live a life marked by self-control and wisdom.
God calls us to be sober-minded and to avoid anything that could lead us away from His path. These scriptures not only serve as a warning but also as a reminder to pursue righteousness and stay alert to God’s calling.
23 Bible Verses About Drunkenness
1. Ephesians 5:18
“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
In this verse, Paul contrasts the effects of drunkenness with the filling of the Holy Spirit. Drunkenness leads to reckless behavior, while being filled with the Spirit brings godly wisdom and self-control.
God’s call here is to avoid indulgence in alcohol to the point of drunkenness, which can lead to destructive consequences. Instead, believers are encouraged to seek spiritual fulfillment through the Holy Spirit, which transforms their lives and actions.
2. Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; whoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
This proverb warns about the deceptive nature of alcohol. Wine and strong drink may seem appealing, but they can lead to foolishness and destruction.
The verse advises against being deceived by the temporary pleasure of drinking, as it clouds judgment and leads to dangerous consequences. A wise person avoids this path to preserve their integrity and well-being.
3. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Here, Paul lists several sinful behaviors, including drunkenness, that can prevent people from inheriting God’s kingdom. Drunkenness is portrayed as a serious sin, alongside other actions like greed and theft.
This verse emphasizes the need for repentance and transformation, calling believers to avoid indulgence in any form of sin, including drunkenness. It serves as a reminder to live a life marked by righteousness and self-control.
4. Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul lists drunkenness as part of the works of the flesh, which lead to separation from God. The verse warns that indulging in such behaviors, including drunkenness, keeps individuals from inheriting the kingdom of God.
Drunkenness here is seen as a manifestation of living according to the flesh, not the Spirit. It’s a call to avoid these behaviors and live in a way that reflects the transformation brought by the Holy Spirit.
5. Proverbs 23:29-35
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.”
This passage vividly describes the destructive effects of drunkenness, highlighting the physical and emotional toll it takes. Wine may appear appealing at first, but it leads to negative consequences.
The imagery of a serpent’s bite and a sting emphasizes the lasting harm caused by overindulgence in alcohol. The passage warns readers to avoid the temptation to drink excessively, as it ultimately causes pain and regret.
6. Isaiah 5:11
“Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening, as wine inflames them!”
This verse condemns the pursuit of alcohol, highlighting those who prioritize drinking over other responsibilities. It speaks to the dangers of seeking intoxication from early morning to late at night.
God warns against allowing alcohol to control one’s life. This passage calls for a life of balance and self-control, avoiding the pursuit of drunkenness that can lead to harm and disorder.
7. 1 Peter 4:3
“For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry.”
Peter highlights the past behaviors of those who lived in sin, including drunkenness and wild living. As believers, we are called to leave behind these sinful practices.
The verse encourages Christians to distance themselves from their old ways, which are marked by excess and indulgence. It is a call to embrace a new life that reflects the holiness and righteousness of God.
8. Proverbs 31:4-5
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.”
This passage warns against the negative effects of alcohol, particularly for those in positions of leadership. Drunkenness can cloud judgment and lead to injustice.
For leaders, remaining sober is essential to making wise decisions and protecting the rights of others. The verse encourages self-control and wisdom, particularly for those who have influence over others.
9. Romans 13:13
“Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.”
Paul encourages believers to live honorably, avoiding behaviors like drunkenness and debauchery. Living in drunkenness leads to immoral actions and dishonorable living.
This passage reminds Christians to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness. By walking properly, avoiding drunkenness, and practicing self-control, believers can honor God in all aspects of their lives.
10. 1 Timothy 3:8
“Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.”
Paul provides qualifications for deacons, including the requirement for sobriety. Deacons, as spiritual leaders, must avoid addiction to wine, maintaining their dignity and integrity.
This verse underscores the importance of self-control, particularly for those in leadership roles. A godly leader avoids excessive drinking, ensuring their actions and words reflect godly character.
11. Proverbs 23:21
“For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty; hunger will come upon them and scarcity will clothe them.”
This verse connects drunkenness with poverty and scarcity. Excessive drinking leads to a lack of self-discipline, which can result in financial and personal ruin.
The passage serves as a warning about the consequences of indulgence. Drunkenness and gluttony both lead to unwise choices, eventually causing harm to one’s livelihood and well-being.
12. Luke 21:34
“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap.”
Jesus warns against becoming consumed by worldly distractions, including drunkenness. This can cause one to be unprepared for His return.
Believers are urged to remain alert and self-controlled, avoiding distractions like drunkenness that could lead to spiritual complacency. The verse highlights the importance of spiritual readiness.
13. Habakkuk 2:15
“Woe to him who makes his neighbors drink—you pour out your wrath and make them drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness!”
This passage condemns those who cause others to fall into sin, including drunkenness. It speaks to the manipulation and exploitation that occur when people encourage others to drink excessively.
God condemns the actions of those who lead others into sinful behaviors. This verse calls for personal responsibility in ensuring that our actions do not cause others to stumble.
14. 1 Corinthians 5:11
“But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.”
Paul warns the Corinthians to avoid fellowship with those who persist in sinful behaviors like drunkenness. Such behavior is incompatible with the Christian walk.
This passage calls believers to hold each other accountable, ensuring that the community remains pure. Drunkenness is listed among actions that must be addressed within the church.
15. Proverbs 4:14-15
“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.”
Drunkenness is often part of the path of the wicked, leading to destruction and chaos. This verse advises staying away from such influences and avoiding situations that could lead to sin.
A godly man avoids the temptation of drunkenness by turning away from harmful paths. It’s a call to make wise decisions and remain vigilant in maintaining purity.
16. Titus 2:3-4
“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children.”
Titus encourages older women to model reverence and self-control, avoiding excessive drinking. They are called to teach younger women how to live godly lives.
The passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining dignity and setting an example for others. A life of self-control is crucial in being an effective mentor and role model.
17. Proverbs 31:6-7
“Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.”
While this verse seems to permit wine for those in distress, it also indicates the potential danger of using alcohol to numb pain. Alcohol should not be the solution to emotional or physical struggles.
The Bible warns against using alcohol as a coping mechanism, emphasizing that it can only mask problems temporarily. True healing comes through God, not through intoxication.
18. 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.”
Paul urges believers to remain sober and spiritually alert, contrasting drunkenness with a life of vigilance. Spiritual readiness requires avoiding distractions like alcohol that dull the mind.
This verse highlights the importance of being awake and prepared for Christ’s return. Sobriety is not just physical but spiritual, ensuring that we are equipped to live righteously.
19. Micah 2:11
“If a man should go about and utter wind and lies, saying, ‘I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,’ he would be the preacher for this people.”
This verse critiques false preachers who promote sinful indulgences like drunkenness. Micah warns against those who encourage drunkenness as a way of living.
The message calls believers to be discerning, rejecting those who promote sin under the guise of teaching. True faith leads to a life of temperance, not indulgence.
20. Acts 2:13
“But others mocking said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’”
In the context of Pentecost, some mocked the apostles, assuming they were drunk. This verse highlights the misconception that spiritual zeal can be mistaken for drunkenness.
It’s a reminder that being filled with the Holy Spirit produces a radical transformation, not a loss of control. The Spirit empowers believers to live in clarity and purpose, not chaos.
21. 1 Corinthians 11:21
“For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk.”
Paul addresses the abuse of the Lord’s Supper, where some Corinthians were getting drunk while others went without food. This behavior contradicted the purpose of communion.
The verse highlights the dangers of overindulgence, even in situations meant for worship. It underscores the importance of self-control and reverence during sacred moments.
22. Romans 14:21
“It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”
While not directly condemning drunkenness, this verse teaches self-control for the sake of others. Christians should avoid behaviors like drunkenness that might lead others into sin.
The principle here is one of love and consideration, where personal freedom is limited by the need to protect others’ faith. It calls for thoughtful living and careful decisions that honor God and others.
23. Isaiah 28:7
“These also reel with wine and stagger with strong drink; the priest and the prophet reel with strong drink, they are swallowed by wine, they stagger with strong drink, they reel in vision, they stumble in giving judgment.”
This passage laments the downfall of Israel’s leaders, who were consumed by drunkenness. Even priests and prophets were affected, leading to poor judgment and spiritual failure.
Drunkenness impairs the ability to lead wisely, and this verse warns against such behavior. Leaders, particularly, must remain sober and clear-headed to guide others faithfully.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible provides clear warnings about the dangers of drunkenness and its negative impact on one’s life and spiritual walk. While alcohol itself isn’t inherently sinful, the Scriptures repeatedly emphasize the consequences of excessive drinking, such as impaired judgment and a weakened moral compass.
Believers are encouraged to maintain self-control and avoid indulgence that could lead to drunkenness. The call to live soberly and wisely is integral to maintaining a strong relationship with God and living according to His will.
Ultimately, the Bible urges us to prioritize spiritual clarity and responsibility over fleeting pleasures that can harm our well-being.
