Alcohol has always been part of human life. For some, it is tied to celebration; for others, it leads to sorrow. That’s why Christians often ask: what does the Bible really say about drinking alcohol? The answer lies not in opinions, but in God’s Word. By studying bible verses about drinking alcohol, we can gain wisdom, clarity, and peace about how to live in a way that honors Him.
Scripture does not ignore this issue. It speaks both of wine as a blessing and of drunkenness as a sin. It shows us people who drank responsibly, and it warns us about those who lost control. For believers today, the message is clear: alcohol itself is not the problem, but misuse can destroy lives.
That’s why this collection of 75 Bible Verses About Drinking Alcohol matters. Whether you are wondering is it a sin to drink alcohol according to the Bible, or trying to understand what moderation looks like, these verses will guide you. Some speak against drunkenness, some point to wisdom in moderation, and others remind us to live with love — not causing others to stumble.
I’ll share a personal thought: in my own family, some saw wine as acceptable while others avoided it completely. At first, I didn’t know what to think. But over time, as I studied verses like these, I realized the Bible calls us to discernment. For some, abstaining is the wisest choice. For others, moderation may be possible. But for all of us, love, self-control, and honoring God should always come first.
So let’s walk through Scripture together and see what it teaches.
75 Bible Verses About Drinking Alcohol
1. Bible Verse About Drunkenness
Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
This verse shows us that drunkenness leads to reckless living. Instead of letting alcohol control us, God calls us to be filled with His Spirit, which brings life and clarity.
2. Bible Verse About Wine as Blessing
Psalm 104:14-15 – “…wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.”
Wine is part of God’s creation and can bring joy. Yet, it is a blessing meant for gratitude, not abuse.
3. Bible Verse About Drinking Alcohol Proverbs
Proverbs 20:1 – “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
Alcohol has power to deceive. True wisdom is in self-control and restraint, not in excess.
4. Bible Verses Against Drinking Alcohol KJV
Isaiah 5:11 (KJV) – “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink…”
This warning shows the danger of being consumed by alcohol. Addiction leads to ruin.
5. Drink Alcohol Bible Verse for Health
1 Timothy 5:23 – “Use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”
Paul advises moderation, not indulgence. A reminder that alcohol itself isn’t sin, but excess is.
6. Funny Bible Verse About Alcohol
Proverbs 23:35 – “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!… When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”
A sad but almost humorous picture of addiction. It shows how alcohol blinds people to their own harm.
7. Sin of Drunkenness
Galatians 5:21 – “…drunkenness, orgies, and the like. Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Drunkenness is not just a bad habit — it is a sin with eternal consequences.
8. Is It a Sin to Drink Alcohol According to the Bible?
Romans 14:21 – “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
Love comes before freedom. Even if drinking isn’t sin for you, causing another to stumble is.
9. Proverbs on Lingering Over Wine
Proverbs 23:29-30 – “Who has woe? Who has sorrow?… Those who linger over wine.”
Excess drinking leads to sorrow. Wisdom is knowing when to stop.
10. Living Differently from the World
1 Peter 4:3-4 – “…in drunkenness, orgies, carousing… They are surprised you do not join them in reckless, wild living.”
A believer’s life should look different from a culture of excess.
11. Self-Control is Key
Proverbs 25:28 – “Like a city without walls is a person who lacks self-control.”
Without discipline, alcohol can take over. Patience and prayer strengthen self-control.
12. Leaders and Alcohol
Proverbs 31:4-5 – “It is not for kings… to crave beer, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed.”
Leaders must remain clear-minded. Alcohol can cloud judgment and weaken decisions.
13. Jesus Turns Water into Wine
John 2:7-10 – At Cana, Jesus turned water into wine.
Jesus’ miracle shows wine can bring joy. But the focus was blessing, not excess.
14. Throwing Off Hindrances
Hebrews 12:1 – “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that entangles.”
If alcohol is a stumbling block in your life, wisdom means letting it go.
15. Honor God With Your Body
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… honor God with your bodies.”
Every decision, including drinking, should honor God’s presence within us.
16. Leading Others Into Sin
Habakkuk 2:15 – “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk…”
Encouraging others into drunkenness is a sin in itself. We are called to uplift, not harm.
17. Alcohol Bites in the End
Proverbs 23:31-32 – “Do not gaze at wine when it sparkles… in the end it bites like a snake.”
Alcohol may look inviting, but it often brings regret and destruction.
18. Drunken Leaders Bring Ruin
Ecclesiastes 10:17 – “Blessed is the land… whose princes eat at the proper time — for strength, not for drunkenness.”
A community suffers when leaders indulge in alcohol instead of leading wisely.
19. Stay Awake and Sober
1 Thessalonians 5:6-7 – “…let us be awake and sober.”
Sobriety is part of spiritual readiness. We are called to be alert in faith.
20. Alcohol Clouds Judgment
Isaiah 28:7 – “Priests and prophets stagger with wine… they stumble in judgment.”
Even leaders of faith can lose wisdom when alcohol takes control.
21. A Caution About Excess
Hosea 4:11 – “Wine and new wine take away the understanding.”
Too much alcohol removes discernment. A reminder to guard your heart.
22. Don’t Be Mastered
1 Corinthians 6:12 – “…I will not be mastered by anything.”
Freedom doesn’t mean slavery. If alcohol controls you, it becomes sin.
23. Sobriety and Clarity
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion…”
Sobriety is protection against the enemy’s traps.
24. Discipline in All Things
Titus 2:12 – “It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.”
Self-control is part of discipleship. This includes drinking choices.
25. Joy Without Drunkenness
Acts 2:15 – “These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!”
At Pentecost, the Spirit brought joy greater than alcohol ever could.
26. Avoid the Path of Drunkards
Proverbs 23:20 – “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.”
This is a reminder to choose your company wisely. Surrounding yourself with those who overindulge makes it easier to fall into the same trap.
27. God Calls for Sobriety
Leviticus 10:9 – “You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the tent of meeting…”
Priests were commanded to stay sober when serving God. Sobriety honors God’s presence and shows reverence.
28. Drunkenness Brings Poverty
Proverbs 21:17 – “Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.”
Loving wine too much drains resources. Alcohol, if misused, can lead to financial ruin.
29. A Warning to Spiritual Leaders
Ezekiel 44:21 – “No priest is to drink wine when he enters the inner court.”
Leadership in God’s presence requires clarity. Alcohol and spiritual responsibility do not mix.
30. Moderation in All Things
Philippians 4:5 – “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
The Christian life is about balance. Even if drinking is allowed, moderation reflects maturity.
31. Alcohol and Violence
Proverbs 4:17 – “They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.”
Here wine is linked with evil actions. Drunkenness often leads to harm against others.
32. Responsibility Over Freedom
1 Corinthians 8:9 – “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”
Even if you feel free to drink, think of how your choice might affect someone weaker in faith.
33. Don’t Let Drinking Define You
Romans 13:13 – “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness…”
Our behavior should reflect Christ, not drunken culture.
34. A Heritage of Sobriety
Judges 13:4 – “Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink…”
This was God’s command to Samson’s mother. Some callings require complete abstinence.
35. A Prayer for Guidance
Psalm 19:14 – “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight…”
Every choice, even about alcohol, should pass this prayerful test: Does it please God?
36. Alcohol Leads to Stumbling
Jeremiah 25:27 – “Drink, get drunk and vomit, and fall to rise no more because of the sword I will send among you.”
Drunkenness leads to falling, both physically and spiritually.
37. Be Clear in Judgment
Micah 2:11 – “If a liar and deceiver comes and says, ‘I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,’ that would be just the prophet for this people!”
The people preferred false prophets who promised pleasure. A reminder to value truth over indulgence.
38. Leaders Must Set Example
1 Timothy 3:2-3 – “Now the overseer is to be… not given to drunkenness…”
Church leaders are specifically warned to avoid drunkenness. Example matters.
39. Deacons and Drinking
1 Timothy 3:8 – “Deacons… must be sincere, not indulging in much wine.”
Moderation is emphasized again for those serving God’s people.
40. Older Women as Examples
Titus 2:3 – “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live… not addicted to much wine.”
God calls women too to model sobriety and reverence.
41. Warnings to Israel
Amos 6:6 – “You drink wine by the bowlful and use the finest lotions, but you do not grieve over the ruin of Joseph.”
Overindulgence distracted Israel from justice and compassion. Alcohol can numb us to others’ needs.
42. A Call to Sobriety in Suffering
Lamentations 4:21 – “Rejoice and be glad, Daughter Edom, you who live in the land of Uz. But to you also the cup will be passed; you will be drunk and stripped bare.”
This imagery of drunkenness represents judgment. It warns us that sin eventually catches up.
43. Alcohol and Forgetfulness
Proverbs 31:6-7 – “Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! Let them drink and forget their poverty…”
This shows how alcohol is often used to escape pain — but true comfort comes from God.
44. Avoid Overindulgence
Luke 21:34 – “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life…”
Jesus warns against drunkenness as a distraction from His return.
45. Wine Is Deceitful
Hosea 7:5 – “On the day of the festival of our king the princes become inflamed with wine, and he joins hands with the mockers.”
Festivals turned to sin because of drunkenness. Alcohol deceives when not controlled.
46. Be Clothed With Sobriety
1 Thessalonians 5:8 – “But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate…”
Sobriety is connected to faith, love, and hope. It’s part of spiritual armor.
47. False Security in Wine
Habakkuk 2:5 – “Indeed, wine betrays him; he is arrogant and never at rest.”
Wine may offer comfort, but it betrays in the end. Only God gives lasting peace.
48. Avoid Drunken Feasting
Isaiah 56:12 – “Come,” each one cries, “let me get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer! And tomorrow will be like today…”
This shows people trapped in endless indulgence, ignoring judgment.
49. Do All for God’s Glory
1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
The ultimate test: can you drink this to God’s glory? If not, abstain.
50. God Gives True Joy
Acts 13:52 – “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
Real joy is Spirit-filled, not alcohol-filled. The Spirit gives what wine never can.
51. Alcohol Brings Disgrace
Nahum 1:10 – “They will be entangled among thorns and drunk from their wine; they will be consumed like dry stubble.”
Drunkenness leaves people vulnerable to destruction. Alcohol dulls awareness and exposes weakness.
52. Stay Watchful
Mark 13:33 – “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”
Sobriety is tied to spiritual readiness. Alcohol can make us careless when Christ calls us to watchfulness.
53. Drunkenness Brings Mockery
Job 12:25 – “They grope in darkness with no light; he makes them stagger like drunkards.”
Here drunkenness is described as blindness. Alcohol removes clarity and direction.
54. Sin Multiplied by Alcohol
Jeremiah 51:7 – “Babylon was a gold cup in the Lord’s hand; she made the whole earth drunk. The nations drank her wine; therefore they have now gone mad.”
This verse uses drunkenness as an image of spiritual corruption. Alcohol often symbolizes sin spreading unchecked.
55. Guard Your Heart
Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Alcohol can weaken judgment, but a guarded heart resists temptation.
56. Fools and Drinking
Isaiah 19:14 – “The Lord has poured into them a spirit of dizziness; they make Egypt stagger in all that they do, as drunkards stagger around in their vomit.”
Drunkenness is pictured as foolish and shameful.
57. Sobriety Leads to Prayer
1 Peter 4:7 – “The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
Sobriety strengthens prayer. Alcohol dulls spiritual sensitivity.
58. Alcohol and Mockers
Proverbs 21:17 – “Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.”
A reminder that obsession with luxury and wine leads to emptiness.
59. God’s Call to Holiness
Leviticus 19:2 – “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.”
Holiness is about separation from sin. Anything that draws us away, including alcohol abuse, must be resisted.
60. A Lesson from Noah
Genesis 9:20-21 – “Noah… planted a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent.”
Even Noah fell into shame through drunkenness. Alcohol has long been a stumbling block.
61. A Call to Wisdom
Proverbs 2:6 – “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Wisdom from God is the answer to temptation. Alcohol without wisdom leads to foolishness.
62. Do Not Lose Control
Titus 1:7 – “Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness…”
Control is essential for spiritual leadership. Alcohol undermines that.
63. True Strength Comes from God
Nehemiah 8:10 – “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Alcohol gives temporary escape. God’s joy gives lasting strength.
64. Wine is Not for Escape
Isaiah 24:9 – “No longer do they drink wine with a song; the beer is bitter to its drinkers.”
Even enjoyment of wine fades. Only God’s joy remains pure and lasting.
65. Alcohol and Spiritual Blindness
Habakkuk 2:16 – “You will be filled with shame instead of glory. Now it is your turn! Drink and be exposed!”
Drunkenness brings shame and exposure. Sin cannot be hidden forever.
66. A Crown of Sobriety
2 Timothy 4:5 – “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship…”
Keeping your head means staying sober, disciplined, and ready for God’s work.
67. Choose Life
Deuteronomy 30:19 – “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…”
Alcohol may promise fun, but it often leads to harm. Choosing sobriety is choosing life.
68. The Cup of the Lord
1 Corinthians 10:21 – “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too…”
We must choose God over sinful indulgence. Our loyalty belongs to Him.
69. Guard Against Overindulgence
Proverbs 28:7 – “A discerning son heeds instruction, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.”
Overindulgence, whether food or drink, brings shame.
70. God Fills, Not Wine
Acts 4:31 – “After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…”
Where wine leaves emptiness, God’s Spirit fills with power and joy.
71. Alcohol and Violence
Proverbs 23:21 – “For drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
Alcohol often leads to laziness and poverty.
72. God’s Call to Discipline
1 Corinthians 9:27 – “I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”
Discipline is vital in the Christian life. Alcohol can weaken discipline.
73. Don’t Love Strong Drink
Isaiah 5:22 – “Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks.”
The world may celebrate heavy drinking, but God calls it foolishness.
74. Sobriety Brings Respect
1 Thessalonians 5:12 – “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you…”
Hard work and sobriety earn respect. Alcohol often brings the opposite.
75. Be Filled With God, Not Wine
Ephesians 5:19 – “Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit…”
Instead of drunken songs, God calls us to be filled with His Word and worship.
Read Also: Bible Verses About Drinking Alcohol – What Does Scripture
Conclusion
The Bible gives us a balanced picture of alcohol. It is sometimes shown as a blessing, but also as a danger when abused. These bible verses about drinking alcohol remind us that the real issue is not just drinking, but control, wisdom, and love.
The 75 Bible Verses About Drinking Alcohol we’ve read show us:
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Alcohol is not automatically sin, but drunkenness is.
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Moderation may be possible for some, but not all.
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Our freedom should never cause another believer to stumble.
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Above all, every choice should honor God.
So, is it a sin to drink alcohol according to the Bible? Drinking in itself is not condemned — but losing self-control, living in addiction, or harming others clearly is.
Friend, you are free in Christ, but your freedom is guided by love and wisdom. If alcohol keeps you from God, lay it aside. If moderation is possible, do it with gratitude and discipline. In every case, let your choices bring glory to God.
May God give you wisdom, peace, and strength in every decision.
God bless you richly.
