Booze and the Bible

What warnings about drinking are in the Bible?

BIBLE READING: Genesis 9:20-29

KEY BIBLE VERSE: "When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent." (Genesis 9:21 NIV)

Drinking can lead to many negative consequences. Noah, the great hero of faith, got drunk-a poor example of godliness to his sons. Perhaps this story is included to show us that even godly people can sin and that their bad influence affects their families. Although the wicked people had all been killed, the possibility of evil still existed in the hearts of Noah and his family. Ham's mocking attitude revealed a severe lack of respect for his father and for God.

BIBLE READING: Proverbs 23:29-35

KEY BIBLE VERSE: "Whose heart is filled with anguish and sorrow? Who is always fighting and quarreling? Who is the man with bloodshot eyes and many wounds? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new mixtures." (Proverbs 23:29-30, TLB)

Drinking is only a temporary escape. The soothing comfort of alcohol is only temporary. Real relief comes from dealing with the cause of the anguish and sorrow and turning to God for peace. Don't lose yourself in alcohol; find yourself in God.

The Bible is cautious about the use of alcohol. Israel was a wine-producing country. In the Old Testament, wine presses bursting with new wine were considered a sign of blessing (3:10). Wisdom is even said to have set her table with wine (9:2, 5). But the Old Testament writers were alert to the dangers of wine. It dulls the senses; it limits clear judgment (31:1-9); it lowers the capacity for control (23:33-34); it destroys a person's efficiency (21:17). To make wine an end in itself, a means of self-indulgence, or as an escape from life is to misuse it and invite the consequences of the drunkard.

BIBLE READING: Ephesians 5:15-20

KEY BIBLE VERSE: "Don't drink too much wine, for many evils lie along that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit and controlled by him." (Ephesians 5:18, TLB)

The Bible offers a powerful alternative to drinking. Paul contrasts getting drunk with wine, which produces a temporary "high," to being filled with the Spirit, which produces lasting joy. Getting drunk with wine is associated with the old way of life and its selfish desires. In Christ, we have a better joy, higher and longer lasting to cure our depression, monotony, or tension. We should not be concerned with how much of the Holy Spirit we have, but how much of us the Holy Spirit has. Submit yourself daily to his leading and draw on his power.