Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about getting drunk? As a matter of fact, the Bible has a lot to say about alcohol, so it’s important to know where to draw the line. The Bible does give some guidelines for socially acceptable drinking and it does warn about drinking too much, but does it specifically talk about getting drunk?
Essentially, the Bible does talk about becoming ‘drunk with wine’, so this could be seen as an example of getting drunk. In the book of Ephesians, for example, we can see that it speaks against being drunk in verse 18. It reads: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit”.
The Bible also offers warnings about the effects of excessive drinking and the consequences of it. In Proverbs 23:21, we can read: ‘For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags’. This is a clear indication that drinking too much can lead to negative consequences.
Moreover, the Bible talks about ‘strong drink’, a term usually used to refer to distilled alcoholic beverages that are higher in concentration than wine or beer. In Proverbs 20:1 we can see: ‘Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise’. This suggests that it is wise not to be tempted by strong drink or to indulge in it.
Furthermore, in John chapter 2, Jesus turns water into wine, which some people would interpret as Jesus endorsing the use of alcohol. On the contrary, some people say that Jesus was showing us that we cannot ignore the physical craving of the human body, such as thirst. It does not mean that He was suggesting that we indulge in alcohol. The fact that Jesus was not a heavy drinker is often used as evidence that He did not approve of it. Jesus was known to be sober in his habits and teaching.
There are various opinions on this subject, as there were different views amongst the early Christian writers. Some argued that Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine did not mean that He gave a license to drink excessively. On the other hand, others said that ‘moderate drinking’ was a reasonable practice, seeing it as an aspect of social hospitality that could lead to blessing and joy. However, even amongst these writers it was clear that drinking which leads to drunkenness and out of control behaviour is unwise, and very much in opposition to Christ’s moral teachings.
Ultimately, the Bible does not condone excessive drinking, as it can lead to sin. We should not just assume that the Bible is okay with getting drunk and we should take care to recognize the dangers of too much alcohol. We should follow the example and teachings of Christ, living sober, holy lifestyles.
Moderation Is The Key
When it comes to drinking alcohol, moderation is key. Excessive drinking of alcohol can result in harmful physical and mental health issues, as well as behavioural problems. The consumption of alcohol can impair judgement and our sense of responsibility, leading us to make decisions that can have serious consequences. If we drink more alcohol than we can handle, it can lead us to do and say things that we would not normally do.
One of the most important lessons directed to us in the Bible is the concept of moderation. In Colossians 3:17 it says that we should ‘do all things heartily, as unto the Lord.’ Therefore, we should ahve some restraint when it comes to indulging in alcohol or any other substance.
So, as Christians, it is important for us to take the warning of Ephesians 5:18 seriously and be mindful not to get drunk and do not even come close to it. If we want to ensure that we are living as God expects us to, we need to make sure that we avoid excessive drinking at all costs, treating all substances with respect.
Guidelines For Socially Acceptable Drinking
Although the Bible does not condone the excessive drinking of alcohol, it does provide some guidelines for socially acceptable drinking. The Bible does not condone getting drunk, but it does allow for the drinking of alcohol in moderation, as long as it is done responsibly. In Proverbs 31:4, for example, it states that we should ‘give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.’
So, if we are going to drink alcohol, we should be mindful and drink in moderation. The Bible counsels us to drink responsibly, not to drink and drive and to remove ourselves from drunkenness and those that indulge in it. consumption of alcohol in moderation can be acceptable, so long as it is done in a responsible manner and with respect to our Christian values and beliefs.
The Role Of Community
Along with taking personal responsibility for our actions, it is important to be mindful of the role that community can play in encouraging and promoting drinking habits. The Christian community can play an important role in creating an environment that is based on respect and moral guidance.
The church can be an outlet for teaching about the consequences of excessive drinking. Within the church, we can speak about the results of irresponsible drinking, as well as providing help to others that are struggling with it. The community can offer guidance and support, especially when it comes to fighting addiction and the dangers of binge drinking.
The role of communities can certainly help to prevent excessive drinking, not just among Christians, but throughout society. In addition, being part of a strong community can help to strengthen our own relationship with God and help us to remain on the right track.
The Importance Of Prayer
It is important to remember that when we are tempted to drink excessively, prayer can help us. Jesus himself asks us to come to Him with all our burdens, so that He can help us to bear them. In Matthew 11:28-30 He says: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Prayer can provide us with the spiritual strength we need in order to stay away from irresponsible drinking. We can talk to God and ask Him to help us to recognise the danger and to steer away from temptation. Prayer can be a powerful tool and it can help us to make sensible decisions and act responsibly when it comes to alcohol.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible does not approve of getting drunk, but it does provide us with warnings and guidelines in order to help us stay away from over indulgence. The Bible teaches us that moderation is key when it comes to drinking and reminds us to take personal responsibility for our actions and to be mindful of the role of community and the importance of prayer. By following the spiritual guidance from the Bible, we can ensure that our habits are in line with Christian values and free from the dangers of irresponsible drinking.
