The Bible does not specifically mention smoking and drinking, but it provides clear principles on honoring God with our bodies, avoiding harmful practices, and living in self-control. As Christians, we are called to treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, ensuring our choices glorify God. Below are Bible verses that encourage us to reflect on how smoking and drinking align with a life that honors God.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Against Drinking Alcohol
Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit
Our bodies are not our own; they are temples of the Holy Spirit. God calls us to care for our physical selves as an act of worship and obedience. Smoking and drinking can damage our health and hinder our ability to glorify God with our bodies. These verses remind us of the sacred responsibility we have to honor God through our physical well-being.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
Romans 12:1
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”
Proverbs 4:23
“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
3 John 1:2
“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.”
1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I warn you as ‘temporary residents and foreigners’ to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.”
Self-Control and Avoiding Addiction
The Bible emphasizes the importance of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, in living a godly life. Smoking and drinking can lead to addiction, which compromises our ability to make God-honoring choices. These verses remind us to rely on God’s strength to overcome temptations and to exercise self-discipline in all areas of life.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
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.”
1 Corinthians 9:27
“I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”
Titus 2:12
“And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.”
Wisdom in Avoiding Harmful Practices
The Bible calls us to live wisely, making choices that honor God and benefit our lives. Smoking and excessive drinking often lead to harm—physically, spiritually, and relationally. These verses encourage us to seek wisdom from God and avoid actions that bring destruction.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.”
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.”
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
James 1:5
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
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.”
Be Sober-Minded and Alert
Being sober-minded is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of being spiritually alert and avoiding anything that clouds judgment or weakens our witness. Smoking and drinking, especially in excess, can dull our senses and impair our ability to discern and act according to God’s will. These verses encourage a life of vigilance and clarity.
1 Peter 4:7
“The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers.”
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
“So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. 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.”
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.”
Ephesians 5:18
“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Colossians 3:2
“Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Drinking in Moderation
Avoiding Actions That Stumble Others
The Bible teaches us to live in a way that does not cause others to stumble in their faith. Smoking and drinking, especially when done openly or irresponsibly, can set a harmful example or lead others into temptation. These verses highlight the importance of considering how our actions impact those around us.
Romans 14:21
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.”
1 Corinthians 8:9
“But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.”
Philippians 2:4
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Galatians 6:1
“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”
Matthew 18:6
“But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
Living as a Witness to Christ
Our lives should reflect Christ and draw others closer to Him. Smoking and drinking can harm our witness, especially when they lead to unhealthy or sinful behavior. These verses remind us to live in a way that glorifies God and sets an example for others to follow.
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.”
2 Corinthians 5:20
“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!'”
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.”
Titus 2:7-8
“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.”
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.”
Trusting God for Transformation
Breaking free from harmful habits like smoking or drinking often requires God’s intervention. The Bible encourages us to trust in His power to renew our minds, strengthen us against temptation, and transform our lives. These verses remind us of the hope and freedom we have in Christ.
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 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. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Philippians 4:13
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”