“And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” – Ephesians 5:18
Bible Verses About Drink
Moderation in Drink
As we navigate our relationship with drink, the Bible speaks to us about moderation. Many scriptures remind us that while drinking can be a part of our lives, we must practice restraint. This teaches us self-control and kindness towards our bodies while allowing us to enjoy fellowship with those around us. It’s not about the drink itself, but how we approach it. We want to stay alert and focused on God, avoiding any behavior that might lead us down a troubling path. This balance is crucial as we strive to honor God in all aspects of our lives, including what we consume.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” – Proverbs 20:1
Proverbs 23:20-21
“Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.” – Proverbs 23:20-21
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
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
Ecclesiastes 3:13
“And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor, it is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:13
Joy in Drinking
We often find joy in gathering with loved ones over a meal that includes drinks. The Bible acknowledges the joy that drinking can bring when it’s shared in the right context. It’s essential to remember that these moments can enhance our fellowship with one another. Rather than viewing drinking as a mere act, we can see it as a celebration of life together. It reminds us that God desires us to experience joy and togetherness in our relationships, and drinking can be a part of that, provided we do so with hearts aligned to His will.
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
John 2:10
“And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” – John 2:10
Psalm 116:13
“I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.” – Psalm 116:13
Isaiah 55:1
“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” – Isaiah 55:1
Luke 7:34
“The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!” – Luke 7:34
Dangers of Overindulgence
While it’s important for us to enjoy our drinks moderately, we must also recognize the dangers of overindulgence. The Bible calls us to be aware of the pitfalls that accompany excessive drinking. It can lead to poor decisions and even harm our relationships. We should remind ourselves that this caution is not meant to imply that drinking itself is wrong but that it calls us to be responsible. By understanding these dangers, we can choose wisely and make decisions that reflect our love for God and our commitment to living holy lives.
Proverbs 23:29-30
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babblings? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.” – Proverbs 23:29-30
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, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Galatians 5:19-21
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
Proverbs 6:27-28
“Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?” – Proverbs 6:27-28
1 Corinthians 6:12
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” – 1 Corinthians 6:12
Spiritual Reflections on Drinking
In our faith journey, we are encouraged to reflect on how drink connects us to God and what He has given us. Drinking, when viewed thoughtfully, can become a spiritual act, especially when we gather for communion. Jesus used wine during the Last Supper to symbolize His blood, demonstrating how drinking can convey deeper meanings in our faith. This reflection bears witness to the significance of drinking on a spiritual level and leads us to recognize it as a part of our worship and relationship with Him. It urges us to be conscious of the sacred aspects intertwined with even simple actions like drinking.
Matthew 26:27-29
“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” – Matthew 26:27-29
1 Corinthians 10:16
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” – 1 Corinthians 10:16
John 6:53-54
“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” – John 6:53-54
Romans 14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” – Romans 14:17
John 7:37-38
“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” – John 7:37-38
Serving One Another with Drink
As followers of Christ, we are called to serve one another with love and kindness, which often includes sharing a drink. Whether it’s offering a refreshing glass of water on a hot day or sharing a toast with friends, these gestures can show our commitment to fellowship. In serving one another, we mirror our Savior’s love and hospitality. Our acts of kindness, however small, can create strong bonds within our communities as we share life together over a meal or simple drinks in each other’s homes.
Matthew 10:42
“And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” – Matthew 10:42
Mark 9:41
“For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” – Mark 9:41
Philippians 2:4
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” – Philippians 2:4
Romans 15:2
“Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification.” – Romans 15:2
Galatians 5:13
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
Thanksgiving and Blessing the Drink
In our times of drinking, it’s a wonderful practice to stop and give thanks for what we have. Recognizing that every good gift comes from God, we express our gratitude before taking a sip of any drink. This simple yet powerful act deepens our relationship with God, reminding us of His provisions. As we bless our drink, we acknowledge that it’s not only for our enjoyment but also a demonstration of our dependence on God’s abundance. These moments create space for reflection and gratitude in our daily lives.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” – 1 Timothy 4:4-5
Colossians 3:17
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” – Colossians 3:17
Psalm 136:25
“Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth forever.” – Psalm 136:25
Matthew 14:19
“And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.” – Matthew 14:19
Psalm 145:15-16
“The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.” – Psalm 145:15-16
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the Bible’s teachings about drink, we see a clear message. We are called to enjoy fellowship with one another while being mindful of moderation and the potential dangers of overindulgence. Each drink, shared with gratitude, can provoke joy and enrich our relationships, reminding us of God’s blessings in our lives.
We are reminded that while drinking in fellowship is good, we must also serve each other with kindness and love. As we go about our days, let’s allow these moments to strengthen our bond with God and deepen our appreciation for one another. Whether enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend or partaking in the communion of Christ, each act finds its relevance in our walk with God.
I encourage you all to explore other topics, like names that mean ocean, sea, or water and Proverbs 15:5. Let’s continue to seek wisdom from Scripture as we navigate life together.