What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol?
The Bible distinguishes drinking from drunkenness. Wine appears throughout Scripture — sometimes as a blessing and part of celebration, and Jesus Himself turned water into wine — so drinking in itself is not condemned. What Scripture repeatedly and clearly condemns is drunkenness: "Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18), and it lists drunkenness among works of the flesh.
Proverbs warns that "wine is a mocker" and that it leads the unwise astray (Proverbs 20:1). The New Testament also urges believers to be sensitive to conscience and to others — not to cause a weaker brother to stumble (Romans 14). So Christians who drink are called to strict moderation, self-control, and love; and many choose abstinence, especially where addiction, witness, or the good of others is at stake.
Key Bible Verses
“Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,”
Ephesians 5:18 (WEB)
“Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
Proverbs 20:1 (WEB)
“Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 (WEB)
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (public domain).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is drinking alcohol a sin?
- The Bible does not condemn drinking itself — wine appears throughout Scripture and Jesus turned water into wine — but it clearly condemns drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). Christians who drink are called to moderation and self-control, and many choose abstinence out of conscience or love for others.