The Bible provides clear teachings about the dangers of drunkenness and the importance of self-control. These verses guide believers to avoid excessive drinking, focus on righteous living, and honor God in every aspect of life. Below are Bible verses exploring what the Bible says about drunkards, offering wisdom and encouragement for a life pleasing to God.
Also Read: Bible Verses Against Drinking Alcohol
The Dangers of Drunkenness
Drunkenness is repeatedly warned against in Scripture, highlighting its potential to lead to poor decisions and destruction. These verses remind believers to be mindful of their actions and to avoid overindulgence, which can lead to sin and separation from God.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.”
Galatians 5:19-21
“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 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.”
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.”
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers, and cheats—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.”
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.”
Self-Control and Sobriety
Sobriety is a fruit of the Spirit that empowers believers to maintain control over their actions and thoughts. These verses emphasize the value of a clear mind and how self-control leads to a more godly and peaceful life.
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.”
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!”
1 Thessalonians 5:6
“So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.”
Titus 2:11-12
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 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.”
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.”
The Example of Christ
Jesus Christ provides the perfect example of how to live a life dedicated to righteousness and obedience to God. While He participated in social gatherings, He remained above reproach and calls His followers to do the same.
John 2:9-10
“When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. ‘A host always serves the best wine first,’ he said. ‘Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!'”
Luke 7:33-34
“For John the Baptist didn’t spend his time eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!'”
Matthew 26:29
“Mark my words—I will not drink wine again until the day I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.”
Hebrews 12:2
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
1 Peter 2:21
“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”
Wisdom in Avoiding Temptation
The Bible teaches believers to be wise and to avoid situations that can lead to temptation. By steering clear of environments and practices that encourage drunkenness, Christians can live in obedience to God’s will and maintain a pure testimony.
1 Corinthians 10:13
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
Proverbs 4:14-15
“Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving.”
James 4:7
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Romans 13:14
“Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
Matthew 26:41
“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”‘
Also Read: Bible Verses About Smoking and Drinking
Consequences of Drunkenness
The Bible outlines the consequences of a lifestyle marked by drunkenness. These verses remind believers of the harm it brings, both spiritually and physically, and the importance of choosing a path that leads to eternal life.
Proverbs 23:21
“For drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
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.”
Isaiah 28:7
“Now, however, Israel is led by drunks who reel with wine and stagger with alcohol. The priests and prophets stagger with alcohol and lose themselves in wine. They reel when they see visions and stagger as they render decisions.”
Ephesians 5:18
“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 5:11
“I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.”
Encouragement for the Repentant
God’s grace and forgiveness are available to those who repent of their sins, including drunkenness. These verses offer hope and assurance to anyone struggling, emphasizing the transformative power of God’s love.
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.”
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.”
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!”
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”
Romans 8:1
“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”
A Call to Holy Living
The Christian life is a call to holiness and devotion to God. Believers are encouraged to leave behind behaviors like drunkenness and pursue righteousness in every area of their lives as a witness to the world.
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.'”
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.”
2 Timothy 2:22
“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”
Philippians 4:8
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”