What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol?
drinking Alcohol in bible from the era of Moses in Israel, there existed a law that mandated the stoning to death of anyone found guilty of alcohol consumption when reported by their parents by the legal regulations of the town. This law applies to individuals who defy their parents display arrogance and engage in alcohol consumption as well.
The parents must say to the elders, ‘This son of ours is stubborn, rebellious and refuses to obey. He is a glutton and a drunkard.’ Then all the men of the town must stone him to death. In this way, you will purge this evil from among you and all Israel will hear about it and be afraid.”
( Deuteronomy 21:20-21 )
In Israel, some people openly drank alcohol in public markets and used this as an opportunity to verbally insult and mock those who passed by. Such conduct was widely seen as improper and disrespectful by the rest of the community. Furthermore, when others were going through difficult times, these intoxicated individuals created substantial disruptions and caused harm. The Israelites did not regard them as upright individuals and even in Psalms, the writer emphasized the sorrow and distress these individuals brought about during other people’s painful situations. They were depicted as contributing their negative attitudes to songs of sorrow and even funeral dirges in their writings.
In the Old Testament, there were specific admonitions directed towards those who indulged in excessive drinking. They cautioned that those who continued down this path would ultimately find themselves wearing tattered garments and experiencing severe poverty.
“For they are on their way to poverty and too much sleep clothed them rags.” ( Proverbs 23:21 )
The Prophet Joel who witnessed the catastrophic events unfolding in Israel addressed the intoxicated individuals and urged them to turn away from their indulgences. He implored them to repent and beseech God for forgiveness, shedding tears as a sign of genuine remorse. He also warned them with a touch of irony, prophesying a future in which they should no longer have access to alcohol.
“Wake up, you drunkards, and weep! Wail, all you wine drinkers! All the grapes are ruined,
and all your sweet wine is gone.” ( Joel 1:5 )
The people of Ephraim were notably self-centred. Despite their striking physical beauty, both men and women chose to indulge in excessive alcohol consumption and revel in the streets. Consequently, the Ephraimite community distanced themselves from God, driven by their disbelief. In response to this, Prophet Isaiah boldly began to preach his teachings, addressing both the unbelievers and the intoxicated seeking to guide them back to a more righteous path. In his prophetic message, he cautioned them that their physical beauty would fade and the pleasure they derived from consuming alcohol would be trampled upon in the days to come.
‘What sorrow awaits the proud city of Samaria
the glorious crown of the drunks of Israel.
It sits at the head of a fertile valley,
but its glorious beauty will fade like a flower.
It is the pride of a people brought down by wine.
For the Lord will send a mighty army against it.
Like a mighty hailstorm and torrential rain,
they will burst upon it like a surging flood
and smash it to the ground.
The proud city of Samaria
the glorious crown of the drunks of Israel
will be trampled beneath its enemies’ feet.’
( Isaiah 28:1-3 )
Initially, people may begin drinking alcohol to enjoy its flavor, but it is possible to develop an addiction to it over time. The Bible warns that those who engage in drinking alcohol may exhibit physical symptoms like bloodshot eyes and may allocate a substantial amount of their time to drinking. As a result, they may face avoidable difficulties such as injuries, disputes, anxiety and adversities in their lives.
“Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks.”
( Proverbs 23: 29-30 )
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul expresses his perspective on habitually drunk individuals, categorizing them among those who engage in various sinful behaviours. These include those who participate in sexual misconduct, idol worship, adultery, male prostitution, greed, abusive behaviour, and deceit. St. Paul issues a stern admonition that if any member of the church appears to be a habitual drunkard, others should not even share a meal with them.
If someone associates closely with a heavy drinker who rejects the teachings of God’s word, refuses to adhere to the principles of faith and persists in living contrary to these beliefs, their faith and convictions may be negatively influenced and eroded by the company of the person who has strayed from the path of faith. This is why the Bible strongly advises against keeping such company. St. Paul repeatedly cautions that individuals who exhibit these behaviours are regarded as unrighteous in his view and they will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.
“Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or male prostitutes, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people- none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” ( 1 Cor 6: 9-10 )