In today’s society, the use of drugs and alcohol is a topic of much debate and concern. While the Bible does not directly address modern recreational drugs, it offers guidance on the use of alcohol and principles that can be applied to substance use in general.
Biblical References to Alcohol
Ephesians 5:18: “Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is excess, but be filled with the Spirit.”
This verse warns against the excesses of alcohol consumption and encourages being filled with the Holy Spirit instead.
Proverbs 20:1: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is deceived by it is not wise.”
The writer of Proverbs highlights the potential for alcohol to lead to unwise behavior.
The Dangers of Excess
Proverbs 23:29-35: These verses vividly describe the woes that come with heavy drinking, including woe, sorrow, contentions, and complaints.
1 Corinthians 6:10: “Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, will inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul lists drunkenness among behaviors that are incompatible with inheriting God’s kingdom.
Alcohol as Part of Biblical Culture
Psalm 104:14-15: “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food out of the earth: wine that makes glad the heart of man, oil to make his face to shine, and bread that strengthens man’s heart.”
This Psalm acknowledges wine as one of the good things provided by God to gladden the heart.
1 Timothy 5:23: “Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.”
Paul advises Timothy to use a little wine for medicinal purposes, indicating a balanced view of alcohol.
Principles Applicable to Drug Use
1 Corinthians 6:12: “‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are expedient. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be brought under the power of any.”
Paul’s principle of not being controlled by anything can be applied to drug use, emphasizing the importance of self-control and avoiding addiction.
Galatians 5:22-23: The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control, a quality that can be compromised by substance abuse.
Christian Liberty and Responsibility
Romans 14:21: “It is good not to eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything by which your brother stumbles.”
This verse speaks to the responsibility Christians have to avoid causing others to stumble, which can apply to the use of alcohol and drugs.
Seeking God Instead of Substances
Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Jesus invites those burdened, possibly by addiction or the temptation of substances, to find rest in Him.
The Bible offers a nuanced view of alcohol, recognizing its place in biblical culture while warning against its excesses and potential harm. These principles can be extended to the use of drugs, emphasizing the importance of self-control, avoiding addiction, and considering the impact on oneself and others. As believers, the call is to seek fulfillment, joy, and peace in God rather than in substances, and to exercise our freedom responsibly in a way that honors our bodies and our commitment to God. Let these biblical insights guide you in making wise and healthy choices regarding the use of alcohol and drugs.
Related Bible Verses:
Verses in the Bible mentioning alcohol
1 Timothy 3:8
Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money,
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Ephesians 5:18
18 Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,
Isaiah 5:11
11 Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink, who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them!
Romans 14:21
21 It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.
Galatians 5:21
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.
Verses in the Bible that talk about taking care of our bodies
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
19 Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
16 Don’t you know that you are a temple of God, and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, which you are.
1 Thessalonians 5:23
23 May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Verses in the Bible that talk about self-control
Proverbs 25:28
Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
1 Corinthians 9:27
27 but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.
2 Peter 1:6
6 and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control perseverance; and in perseverance godliness;
2 Timothy 1:7
7 For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
