Five Bible Verses on Drinking

. Ephesians 5:18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit

In Ephesians we are told to not get drunk with wine, for that debauchery which means excessive indulgence or intemperance. So we're told not to over indulge ourselves with alcohol. The word "drunk" is used, and I think we all know the difference between a few glasses and drunk. Above all we are told to be filled with the spirit which is a gift from God through Christ.

2. Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

In Proverbs we learn that wine is a mocker, meaning several things. It can lead to mockery on others, and it can make a mockery of ourselves. Mockery can also refer to being deceived or defiance in general. We know these things are not good and righteous. Strong drink we learn can lead to brawling, or physical fights. "Brawler" can also refer to loud noise. Are these facts revelation? No, most of us know these things, but it is important that we remember that God told these things to us. This makes it all the more important to obey him. We are also told that whoever is made lost by alcohol is not wise. So if you can tell you have a problem with alcohol and it's leading you away from righteousness it's always advisable to seek help.

3. 1 Timothy 5:23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

In 1 Timothy we see that alcohol can be used to treat certain ailments and sickness. So is alcohol inherently evil? No it is not. We are told over and over that as long as we don't get drunk, it's OK to consume it. The moment it leads us off track or causes us to harm others we should promptly abstain long term. So alcohol can be used to treat certain sicknesses. In fact alcohol is sometimes included in cough medicine products to sooth the stomach lining.

4. Psalm 104:15 And wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man's heart.

In Psalms we see that wine can be enjoyed to gladden the heart of man. Sometimes a drink or two can relax an individual. So we see here that God is OK with us enjoying alcoholic beverages. We don't get a direct reference on liquors or beers, but I'll leave that up to personal interpretation. Once again for people who know they have a problem with alcohol, it is God's absolute desire that you abstain completely.

5. Galatians 5:21 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.

In Galatians we see drunkenness exemplified as a character flaw and a sin. We are told that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. They will face eternal damnation. In our modern society it's a common practice to endure the brutal slavish work week and then go entirely belligerent at clubs and taverns. This is not of God. We do not "deserve" to over indulge just because we worked a tough week. If we hate our jobs, we ought to find new ones not compound our despair with white washing the sadness of it on weekends. God has courses for each of us, and when we indulge in sin we get stuck on that road and sometimes veer off. God has great things waiting for you in the future if you just persevere! He will draw us into the service of his church and society often, if we just continue on the path.