The Bible, composed of the Old and New Testaments, has a lot to say about moral issues such as smoking, and this can be seen in a variety of passages. The King James Version of the Bible mentions smoking several times, making it clear that those who embrace Christianity should not partake in it. Although the passages might not explicitly mention smoking, there are several larger themes that speak to the subject in the King James Version.
The Bible states that believers should lead holy lives and abstain from sin. This includes not inhaling smoke from cigarettes, cigars and pipes. The Bible speaks of keeping the body pure from all types of filth, both physically and spiritually. People who smoke are likely to be unclean according to the Bible.
The Bible also talks about self-control and avoiding things that will defile. The act of smoking is a sign of someone losing control of their body and mind, something which the Bible appears to think negatively about. Being a slave to one’s own desires is discouraged in both the Old and New Testaments and smoking is seen as a lack of self-control.
In addition, Christianity focuses on the idea of respect for oneself, not just of others. Smoking can be interpreted as an act of disrespect to one’s own body and harm caused to others. The Bible also emphasises aspects of health and wellbeing, which means to keep your body healthy by abstaining from bad habits such as smoking.
The Bible also encourages followers to live temperately and carefully, with respect to all things. This means to moderate one’s actions and be aware of their impact on other people. Because smoking affects others through second hand smoke, it is a habit that is seen as against the advice given by the Bible. Smoking also has significant health effects, something that will often be frowned upon by followers of the Bible.
The Bible also encourages giving up relationships that bring harm, as smoking does. It has been scientifically proven that smoking is detrimental to one’s health, and this can lead to a shortened life comparitive to those who do not smoke. Regular smokers tend to develop diseases such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other respiratory issues, which the Bible emphatically discourages.
The Bible also implores followers to turn away from temptation and stay away from all manner of vices, including smoking. The Bible aims to create and keep a relationship with God, and to do that, one must abstain from every impure action. As smoking is harmful to both individuals and others, it goes against the Bible’s teachings.
What’s In The Bible About Avoiding Stimulants?
The Bible also discusses avoiding stimulants and indulging in behaviours that can be seen as addictive. Scripture speaks of those who ‘commit iniquity’, which is a synonym for wickedness and sin. Smoking is seen as building up a dependence on an addictive habit, which is considered sinful.
The Bible also speaks of avoiding things which will cause physical harm to an individual. The Bible mentions avoiding situations that might lead to a person becoming physically ill, something that can easily happen to people who smoke regularly. This means that both the physical and spiritual side of health should remain a priority.
The Bible is also clear on the importance of loving one’s neighbour. This includes refraining from taking part in activities that will harm others, an act that smoking can be guilty of. The harmful components of cigarette smoke can affect those who are in close proximity to the smoker and can be a sign of directly disrespecting one’s neighbour. As such, the Bible dismisses this behaviour.
The Bible focuses on looking towards the betterment of one’s life, abstaining from activities which could lead to a person becoming corrupted or fallen. Smoking is something that can be seen as degrading and contrary to the spiritual path that the Bible advocates. The Bible presents a viewpoint of moderation and avoiding extremes, which smoking can be seen as part of.
What Do The Bible’s Messages On Glorifying God Mean For Smoking?
The Bible aims to help followers to glorify God, something that encourages people to practice moderation. Christians are taught to avoid activities that bring harm or disgrace to themselves or others. Smoking can be seen as an indication of living an un-Christian lifestyle and as such will often be interpreted in a negative way by those who adhere to Bible teachings.
The Bible encourages its followers to take part in activities that are edifying and help people to attain a higher spiritual level. The Bible teaches us to seek wisdom in all areas of our lives, including decisions related to whether or not to smoke. The Bible does not condone addictive lifestyles such as drinking and smoking, as it can lead to habits that are both sinister and corrupting.
The Bible does not explicitly mention smoking, but there are a number of passages that make it clear that smoking is discouraged. The Bible aims to encourage righteousness and holiness and smoking is seen as an activity that goes against this. As such, the King James Version of the Bible speaks out against smoking.
What Does The Bible Say About Businesses That Sell Tobacco?
The Bible also discusses businesses that are part of the tobacco industry. Growing, buying and selling tobacco is seen as an un-Christian activity and those who take part will often be viewed in a negative light by those who follow the teachings of the Bible. The Bible often speaks of avoiding activities that bring physical and spiritual harm, and this can be applied to the sale and use of tobacco.
The Bible is also clear on the importance of stewardship and taking responsibility for one’s actions. If someone is profiting from the sale of tobacco, this can be seen as condoning and even supporting the habit, something that goes against the teachings of the Bible. Those who believe in Christianity will often be encouraged to avoid business that involve the sale of tobacco.
The Bible also speaks strongly against greed and immorality. As smoke can cause physical illnesses, this can be seen as a form of immorality. The Bible does not condone activities which bring a person closer to evil and away from holiness, something that is often a result of smoking.
The Bible also makes it clear that one should treat others as they would like to be treated. This is known as the golden rule and is present in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. As tobacco smoke can affect other people, this is seen as a direct breach of Christian teachings.
What Do The Bible’s Teachings On Moderation Mean For Smoking?
The Bible speaks strongly of moderation, both in terms of physical desires and spiritual blessings. Smoking is seen as an activity that often leads to addictive behaviours, something that should be avoided according to the Bible. As such, smoking adds a sense of un-holiness in the eyes of those who adhere to Christian beliefs.
The Bible also speaks of taking a proactive stance on one’s spiritual journey. Smoking is seen as being harmful to both oneself and others, and this goes against the idea of gaining a closer relationship with God. As such, the Bible encourages believers to take a more enlightened approach to life and abstain from smoking.
The underlying themes of the Bible emphasise that smoking is seen as something to be avoided. There are several passages that deal with self-control and leading a holy life, and these can be interpreted as being signs of disapproval towards smoking. As such, the King James Version of the Bible offers a clear message that Christianity does not condone smoking.
