BY ALONZO GASKILL

While the consumption of alcohol is culturally acceptable in most of the world, in reality, many religions traditions counsel against drinking alcoholic beverages. Muslims, Jains, members of the Sikh Khalsa, certain branches of Buddhism, Seventh-day Adventists, and Latter-day Saint Christians, just to name a few, all discourage the consumption of alcohol. And the Bible is no different. While the biblical text acknowledges—in a time when there was no means of sanitizing water—that alcohol was a common drink; it also strongly counsels against getting drunk or drinking to excess. Here are a few of the most important Bible verses which speak about drunkenness.

Indicative of the casual culture of our day, and sounding almost like a “Frat Party,” the Apostle Paul counseled, “Behave properly… Don't go to wild parties or get drunk.” (CEV Romans 13:13) Similarly, the Prophet Isaiah wrote: “Woe to those who are unmatched in their consumption of wine and unsurpassed in mixing drinks.” (NCB Isaiah 5:22) In other words, Isaiah talks about individuals who are praised by their friends for being exceedingly heavy partiers, and he condemns the development of such a persona. Isaiah added, “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!” (KJV Isaiah 5:11) Simply put, the religious who drink heavily, “are foolish because of too much pleasure and too much wine.” (CEV Hosea 4:11) Thus, the proverb counsels, “Don't be a heavy drinker.” (CEV Proverbs 23:20)

The Bible not only counsels against the heavy consumption of alcohol, but it also encourages us to avoid “playing with fire.” Hence, the Book of Proverbs advises, “Don't even look at that colorful stuff bubbling up in the glass!” (CEV Proverbs 23:31) How many have become addicted to alcohol or drugs because they were “just curious”? Thus, this verse warns us to not even look, let alone partake. Part of avoiding tempting situations consists of staying away from those who would tempt us. Regarding those who “get drunk,” the Apostle Paul advised, “Don't even eat with them!” (CEV 1 Corinthians 5:11)

https://www.patheos.com/answers/bible-perspectives/what-does-the-bible-say-about-drinking-alcohol