You can turn to the Thompson Chain Reference Bible for a more in-depth study on this topic. The topical index numbers that are helpful are 3571 Drunkenness (Warning against), 3572 Examples of, and for a general reference to drunkards 3573.

What does the Bible say about alcohol? This is a good question given the society we live in. The Bible has a lot to say regarding alcohol. Some have found Scripture to support the drinking of strong drinks while others have found Scripture that condemns the drinking of alcohol. In this article, I aim to give you some Scriptures regarding the topic of alcohol and let you decide for yourself.

Leviticus 10:9 says, “Do not drink wine or strong drink, neither you nor your sons with you, when you come into the tent of meeting, so that you will not die–it is a perpetual statute throughout your generations.”

Numbers 6:3 says, “he shall abstain from wine and strong drink; he shall drink no vinegar, whether made from wine or strong drink, nor shall he drink any grape juice nor eat fresh or dried grapes.”

Deuteronomy 29:6 says, “You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or strong drink, in order that you might know that I am the LORD your God.”

Judges 13:4 says, “Now therefore, be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing.”

Proverbs 20:1 says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.”

Proverbs 23:20-21 says, “Do not be with heavy drinkers of wine, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.”

Proverbs 31:4 says, “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink.”

Lemuel is a Hebrew name meaning devoted to God. Lamuel was a biblical king. This verse is the only one directed to a king in the Book of Proverbs.

Isaiah 5:11 says, “Woe to those who rise early in the morning that they may pursue strong drink, Who stay up late in the evening that wine may inflame them!” This verse is referring to those who drink alcohol all day, every day. People who drink alcohol on a regular basis will have great sorrow as a result of a disregard for God and His will. This behaviour and thinking is sinful. In verse 22 of Isaiah 5 the Bible says, “Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine And valiant men in mixing strong drink.”

1 Timothy 5:23 says, “No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” Some believe that drinking only water and non-alcoholic drinks is a form of asceticism. The word used for wine in this verse is the Greek word, “oinos”. Timothy most likely had a medical condition. Paul advised him to drink a little grape juice. Even doctors today will tell you drinking alcohol during a stomach problem is bad, but drinking grape juice can be helpful.

The first time we read about someone being drunk in the Bible is in Genesis 9:21. The Bible says, “He drank of the wine and became drunk, and uncovered himself inside his tent.” In this case, drunkenness leads to sexual sin. The Hebrew word for wine here is, “yayin”. In verses such as Lev. 10:9 and Judg. 13:4 the word for strong drink is, “shekar”. This would indicate that drinking strong drinks is sinful.

One of the qualifications for a leader in the church is, “not given to wine” in 1 Timothy 3:3. Another qualification is to be “sober”.

On January 8, 2016, the BBC reported the following on their website “Tough new guidelines issued on alcohol have cut recommended drinking limits” The BBC reported that there is no such thing as a “safe level of drinking.”

Facts on alcohol

• No more than 14 units of alcohol should be drank according to medical research.
• Women who are with child should never drink alcohol.
• Young women are now drinking on average 12.6 units of alcohol up by 66% from 1992.
• Young men and women are now drinking on average 25.9 units up by 25% from 2000.
• The number of 11-15-year-olds drinking doubled between 1990-2000.
• Around 40% of violent offences are committed under the influence of alcohol.
• 1 in 6 A&E admissions are for alcohol-related injuries or issues. This figure is raised by 40% on weekends.

Alcohol-related deaths are higher than some banned drugs in the UK. On average 4,300 deaths are related to cocaine, 768 are linked to heroin and 2,850 in connection to cannabis. On average 88,000 people in the UK have died due to an alcohol-related illness or abuse.