Many Christians will tell you the Bible says nothing about not drinking, it says you should not get drunk. This is correct. So, the question is, is it wrong for Christians to drink alcohol? Some religions all but encourage it and even do so at church functions, while others frown upon it. So, what is right? Well, we must consider what the Bible says and let me tell you, it says quite a bit. I won’t be able to cover all the Bible says about drinking, but I will try to summarize to the best of my ability.

Proverbs 20:1 says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Ephesians 5:18 says, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the spirit. This would lead us to believe that perhaps we should not drink.

1 Timothy 5:23 says, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” We need to understand that they didn’t have pharmacies in biblical times and wine was used for medicinal purposes.

There are numerous passages which tell us that drunkenness will not be tolerated. In Galatians 5:19-21 it is listed as one of the offenses that will cost one their inheritance in the kingdom of God.

I have wanted to write about this for some time but honestly have shied away from it because people have such strong opinions on both sides. Personally, I abstain from alcohol. There was a time when I thought a drink or two with dinner was okay but through prayer and Bible study, I decided it was not for me. I encourage you to use the same method to determine if it’s right for you.

Romans 4:21 says, “It is not good to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.” One major consideration when we drink is our witness. What effect will it have on others. As Christians we are to put others above ourselves (Philippians 2:4). When we profess to be Christians, people are watching what we do. Some of these people are waiting and watching to see if you slip up. We also must consider what it says to family members especially young children. While drinking is not illegal, it is still considered a drug. Children tend to do what the adults around them do. In this day and age there is so much peer pressure. Could your child seeing you using a drug like alcohol decide that it’s okay for them to try marijuana and move on to stronger drugs? It’s something we must consider.

The other thing we must consider is why we drink? Some will say because they like the taste or how it makes them feel. Some say it eases their stress. Others may drink because they are depressed. This is problematic because as Christians, we know that the first place we should turn when we are experiencing difficulty is to the Lord. We should rely on Him when we find ourselves in trouble. Turning to alcohol or any other substance will only make your troubles worse.

Do you drink because your friends drink and you want to fit in? Well, the Bible has something to say about this as well.” Proverbs 23:20-21 says, “Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.” Also note that it adds gluttony. We should also control our eating, just saying.

James 4:17 says whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it for him it is sin. I encourage you to pray about what God would have you to do. When I prayed, I was clearly led to refrain from alcohol. Pray and study God’s word for guidance in this matter.

Trust in Him with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). He will not steer your wrong.

Have a great day!