As Christians, we are called to live lives that reflect the holiness and self-control that come from walking with the Spirit. Drunkenness is a topic that Scripture addresses with clarity and seriousness. The Word of God does not condemn alcohol itself but warns strongly against the abuse of it. Below are several key areas in which the Bible speaks about drunkenness, each supported by relevant verses.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Drinking Alcohol
Drunkenness Leads to Poor Judgment
The Bible makes it clear that being drunk impairs our ability to make wise and godly decisions. It clouds judgment, distorts reality, and often leads to regretful actions. God desires for His people to be alert and sober-minded, not under the influence of substances that can compromise their witness and choices.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.”
Isaiah 5:11
“What sorrow for those who get up early in the morning looking for a drink of alcohol and spend long evenings drinking wine to make themselves flaming drunk.”
Proverbs 23:29–30
“Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always 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.”
Hosea 4:11
“Wine and new wine have robbed my people of their understanding.”
Ecclesiastes 10:17
“Happy is the land whose king is a noble leader and whose leaders feast at the proper time to gain strength for their work, not to get drunk.”
Drunkenness Is a Sin
Scripture identifies drunkenness as a sinful behavior that separates us from the righteousness God desires for His people. Those who persist in it are warned not to be deceived—it can have eternal consequences if unrepented. The Bible calls us to turn away from such acts and live a life led by the Spirit.
Galatians 5:21
“Envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.”
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God.”
Romans 13:13
“Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.”
Ephesians 5:18
“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
1 Peter 4:3
“You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.”
Drunkenness Leads to Shame
The Bible reveals that drunkenness often leads to shameful behavior and disgrace. Individuals who fall into the trap of excessive drinking may find themselves in situations that dishonor God, others, and themselves. God desires His people to walk in honor and integrity, avoiding the traps of intoxication that lead to regret.
Habakkuk 2:15
“What sorrow awaits you who make your neighbors drunk! You force your cup on them so you can gloat over their shameful nakedness.”
Genesis 9:21
“One day he drank some wine he had made, and he became drunk and lay naked inside his tent.”
Lamentations 4:21
“Are you rejoicing in the land of Uz, O people of Edom? But you, too, must drink from the cup of the Lord’s anger. You, too, will be stripped naked in your drunkenness.”
Isaiah 28:7
“Even the priests and prophets stagger from alcohol and lose themselves in wine. They reel when they see visions and stagger as they render decisions.”
Proverbs 23:33
“You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things.”
God Calls Us to Sobriety
Throughout Scripture, believers are called to live sober and alert lives, especially in light of spiritual battles and the return of Christ. Sobriety enables clarity of mind, a strong witness, and faithful service to God. It is a trait of godly leadership and a requirement for those entrusted with responsibility.
1 Thessalonians 5:6
“So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.”
1 Timothy 3:2–3
“So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach… He must not be a heavy drinker or violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.”
Titus 2:2
“Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.”
1 Peter 5:8
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
2 Timothy 4:5
“But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Partying
Drunkenness Hinders Spiritual Growth
Being under the influence of alcohol numbs the spiritual senses and obstructs our growth in Christ. It can prevent believers from hearing God clearly and participating actively in His work. As followers of Jesus, we are urged to stay spiritually awake, allowing the Holy Spirit—not substances—to guide and empower us.
Luke 21:34
“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware.”
Isaiah 28:1
“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.”
1 Corinthians 9:25
“All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.”
1 Corinthians 15:34
“Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all.”
Hebrews 5:14
“Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.”
We Are Called to Be a Light
As Christians, we are called to be the salt of the earth and a light to the world. Drunkenness can damage our witness and lead others astray. Instead of conforming to the world, we are to live differently—marked by holiness, wisdom, and love. Our lives should reflect the character of Christ to a watching world.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Philippians 2:15
“So that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
1 Thessalonians 5:8
“But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.”
Romans 12:2
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.”
1 Peter 2:12
“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.”
There Is Freedom in Christ
Though drunkenness is a serious issue, there is hope and freedom through Jesus Christ. No matter what our past looks like, God’s grace is sufficient to forgive, restore, and empower us to live new lives. Through repentance and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome bondage and walk in victory and sobriety.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Romans 6:12
“Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.”
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
1 John 1:9
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
Galatians 5:16
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”