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Does the Bible Endorse Drinking Alcoholic Beverages?
Does the Bible Endorse
Drinking Alcoholic Beverages?
By Derek Long
Among those claiming to believe and live by the Bible there are those who condemn and those who condone the drinking of alcoholic beverages. It is important for us to understand what God’s word teaches about this behavior lest we engage in something sinful. If the Bible endorses the moderate use of alcoholic beverages, we ought not to condemn such. If the Bible condemns the use of alcoholic beverages in any amount, we need to make sure we abstain from such ourselves and teach others to avoid alcoholic beverages.
The word “wine” is used in the Bible sometimes to refer to a beverage which is a blessing from God (Genesis 27:28; Psalm 104:15). On the other hand, “wine” is also used to refer to a beverage which is “a mocker” and is used in connection with “strong drink” which “is a brawler.” The Bible warns, “whoever is led astray by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). The fact “wine” is spoken of as a blessing as well as something capable of leading one astray has led to some confusion in the minds of some. The easiest way to understand how wine can be both commended and condemned is to recognize we are talking about two different kinds of substances. “Wine” can refer to the unfermented juice of the grape and as such is a blessing. “Wine” can also refer to the fermented juice of the grape and as such be a substance to be avoided. Some argue the word “wine” cannot be used to refer to unfermented grape juice but the Bible calls the product in the winepress wine (Isaiah 16:10) and speaks of wine in the cluster (Isaiah 65:8).
The Bible clearly shows the dangers associated with the drinking of alcoholic beverages. Genesis 9:20-21 tells how, “Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent.” Here we find a righteous man doing something he normally would not do because he had drunk an alcoholic beverage. Genesis 19:31-36 tells how Lot was made drunk by his two daughters and committed fornication with them. Again, we see how wine causes righteous individuals to do things they otherwise would not do. Proverbs 23:29-35 gives a detailed description of what lies in store for the person who consumes alcoholic beverages. It says, “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: ‘They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?’” Drinking alcohol does not bring anything good into our lives but simply brings problems and heartache. As a result, the Bible says, “Do not look on the wine when it is red.” In light of the dangers posed by alcohol, the Bible does not suggest limiting one’s consumption but teaches us not even to look upon it.
The Bible has prohibitions against the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; and Ephesians 5:18 all condemn drunkenness and like behaviors. The only sure way one can avoid drunkenness seeing the Bible does not define when one actually becomes “drunk” is to avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In addition, 1 Peter 4:1-4 speaks about the following activities as characterizing the old life of the Christian, “drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties.” Sometimes a person will say, “The Bible only condemns drunkenness,” but here is a passage which condemns more than just drunkenness. The terms “revelries” and “drinking parties” refer to lesser degrees of drinking alcoholic beverages but are still activities the Christian is not to engage in. If we are going to obey these commands, we must not endorse or engage in the moderate drinking of alcoholic beverages.
The Bible has commands which cannot be obeyed by a person who is drinking alcoholic beverages. 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8 teach us to be sober because the day of judgment could come at any time. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” To remain sober involves abstaining from intoxicants. Therefore, we have a clear prohibition against using alcoholic beverages or other intoxicants because they cloud our judgment. In resisting the devil, we cannot afford to have our judgment impaired at any time lest we give him an advantage in the battle for our souls.
The Bible does seem to possibly allow for the consumption of “wine” in a medicinal way (1 Timothy 5:23). As with many passages where the word “wine” is used, it is best to consider the possibility the beverage spoken of here could possibly be unfermented. However, if the “wine” in 1 Timothy 5:23 is fermented, it would simply authorize the use of medicines which might include alcohol. It would not authorize a person to self- medicate using alcohol but one could use medicines to treat a medical condition.
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