“Do not be drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” – Ephesians 5:18
The Dangers of Excess
We all want to enjoy life, but the Bible warns us about the dangers of excess, especially when it comes to drinking. Overindulgence can lead to poor decisions, broken relationships, and a path that strays from God’s purpose for us. The scriptures remind us that while enjoying a drink in moderation is permissible, losing control is where we can encounter trouble. It’s essential for us to recognize the limits that God sets for our well-being. We should look for ways to enjoy life that maintain our dignity and respect God’s wishes for us. By avoiding excess, we can embrace healthier and more fulfilling lives that honor our faith and bring us closer together as a community.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” – Proverbs 20:1
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revelings, and such like.” – Galatians 5:19-21
1 Corinthians 6:10
“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:10
Proverbs 23:30-31
“They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.” – Proverbs 23:30-31
The Call to Moderation
As followers of Christ, it is crucial for us to practice moderation in everything, including our drinking habits. The Bible sets a clear expectation for us to be mindful of how we partake in pleasures, ensuring we don’t let them spiral out of control. Our duty to ourselves and those around us includes drinking responsibly. By keeping our intake in check, we protect our physical and spiritual well-being. The beauty of loving our neighbor comes into play, as we must consider how our choices, including our drinking habits, might affect them. Let’s remember to share in God’s goodness through moderation, allowing us to enjoy the blessings He provides without losing sight of His truth.
Proverbs 31:4-5
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.” – Proverbs 31:4-5
1 Timothy 5:23
“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” – 1 Timothy 5:23
Isaiah 5:22
“Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink.” – Isaiah 5:22
Romans 14:21
“It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.” – Romans 14:21
Philippians 4:5
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” – Philippians 4:5
Alcohol and Our Spiritual Walk
Drinking affects not just our bodies but our spirit as well. As believers, we know our relationship with God is paramount, and anything that tempts us away from Him must be addressed. When we drink excessively, we risk clouding our judgment and compromising our walk with the Lord. The Bible warns us about becoming intoxicated and highlights the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit instead. By turning our focus to spiritual fulfillment, we ensure that we stay on the path He has laid for us. Embracing a life led by the Spirit brings clarity and a deep sense of joy that no drink can replicate. Let us strive to cherish those moments with God that bring us closer to Him and one another.
Ephesians 4:30
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” – Ephesians 4:30
1 Corinthians 10:31
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Colossians 3:2
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Isaiah 28:7
“But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink; they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink.” – Isaiah 28:7
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” – Proverbs 4:23
Self-Control and Our Choices
Practicing self-control is a significant teaching we find throughout the scriptures. We have a responsibility to choose wisely in all areas of life, including our drinking habits. The Bible instructs us to develop self-control, which helps us navigate life with grace and strength. By resisting the temptation to drink excessively, we take charge of our decisions and allow God to strengthen our spirit. Each time we choose moderation, we build better habits and help those around us to be encouraged by our example. We must remember that our choices can affect the lives of others, and we are called to uplift each other through our actions.
Titus 2:2
“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.” – Titus 2:2
2 Peter 1:5-6
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness.” – 2 Peter 1:5-6
Proverbs 25:16
“Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.” – Proverbs 25:16
Galatians 5:23
“Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” – Galatians 5:23
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Finding Joy Outside of Alcohol
As we explore the world of moderation, we begin to recognize that our joy does not need to come from a bottle. The Bible beckons us to find fulfillment in Christ and the abundance He offers us. Our hope and joy are deeply rooted in our relationship with God and His provisions, so we should seek ways to embrace that joy without the need for alcohol. By focusing on our faith, community, and loved ones, we can fill our lives with meaningful moments and experiences that surpass temporary pleasures. In sharing laughter and love, we discover the true essence of joy without needing to rely on substances.
Psalm 104:15
“And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.” – Psalm 104:15
Proverbs 17:22
“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22
Nehemiah 8:10
“Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10
Psalms 16:11
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” – Psalms 16:11
John 15:11
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” – John 15:11
The Importance of Accountability
As part of our faith community, we should hold each other accountable in our choices, especially concerning drinking. The Bible encourages us to be our brother’s keeper, and this applies to our choices related to alcohol as well. By supporting one another in making wise decisions, we foster an environment where we can thrive spiritually and emotionally. Let’s surround ourselves with friends who guide us toward righteousness and encourage moderation. We must have open conversations about our struggles and successes as we seek to build each other up in faith. Accountability not only strengthens us as individuals; it fortifies our community and draws us closer to God.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Galatians 6:2
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
James 5:16
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” – James 5:16
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Proverbs 27:17
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” – Proverbs 27:17
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the message of moderation and self-control in drinking, we recognize the wisdom found in the Scriptures. We are reminded of the importance of making choices that align with our faith and that help us live lives that honor God. By practicing moderation, we protect ourselves and grow spiritually. In every moment, whether we are enjoying a drink or spending time with loved ones, we find opportunities to elevate our experiences without letting alcohol cloud our judgment.
Together, we can commit to holding one another accountable, allowing our faith community to flourish as we support each other in our choices. Let’s seek joy beyond alcohol, cherishing the true happiness that comes from our relationship with Christ and the meaningful connections we share.
As we continue in our faith walk, let us explore more teachings from the Bible. For example, you may find inspiration in Bible verses about gathering to eat or learn about financial wisdom through Bible verses about frugality.