Over one half of all Americans age 12 or older consume alcohol (51.9% of the population). This number would seem to be consistent with the percentage of people that one typically sees consuming alcohol in restaurants and purchasing alcohol in retail and convenience stores. This number also explains why there are so many people who regularly attempt to justify alcohol consumption. Sadly, some of those doing this are religious people, and they even attempt to use the Bible to prove their case. I will examine some of these abuses of Scripture later in this article.
People consume alcohol for different reasons. Interestingly, there are certain ironies related to each reason:
- Some people use alcohol as an escape mechanism. Rather than address their problems, they use intoxicants to forgot about them. Obviously, the drinking doesn’t solve the problems and actually creates more and greater problems.
- Some people consume alcohol for the euphoria, or “high.” These people simply enjoy the feeling that is produced from the alcohol. Many of these people may not fully realize what is happening in this process. Alcohol stimulates the release of dopamine by nerve cells in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that is associated with the pleasure and reward centers of the brain, thus the euphoric feeling following alcohol ingestion. However, extended use of alcohol changes the way the brain works, making it more difficult for one to naturally experience the effects of dopamine release. The brain becomes dependent upon the drug for this effect. Alcohol and other drugs are therefore counterproductive as means of experiencing this euphoric experience.
- Some people drink intoxicants in order to be socially accepted — to be “cool.” However, there is nothing “cool” about the way most regular drinkers behave after consuming alcohol. There is nothing cool about vomiting or in engaging in obnoxious and abusive behavior around and towards others.
- Anxious people turn to alcohol to relax themselves — to “take the edge off,” as some put it. While alcohol is a depressant and can produce a relaxing affect, it also alters brain chemistry, which often produces the opposite effect of more anxiety, depression, anger and even aggression.
- Insecure people turn to alcohol for confidence — to make them more “outgoing” and have more social courage. However, this drug-induced “confidence” is not the controlled confidence of a stable mind, but one that produces unpredictable and unintended behavior. Consuming intoxicants doesn’t increase one’s courage; it only makes one forget his fears. It fools him into thinking that he has more confidence. The problem is that it also makes him oblivious to other concerns, some of which may be critical to his success, safety and sometimes his very survival.
- Strict people, including at times even “religious” people, will use alcohol to rid themselves of their inhibitions and allow them to behave more impulsively. However, most of these people fail to consider that the alcohol might influence them to do things that they don’t want to do! This includes things that are unethical, immoral and dangerous to oneself or others. Alcohol is a chemical compound. As such, it contains no conscience itself — no inherent moral code. With his brain chemistry altered, the person under the influence of alcohol might do just about anything.
Whether it is consumed in the form of wine, whiskey or beer, alcohol makes people more depressed, not less; less capable of functioning well with others, not more; more aggressive, not more mellow. As Solomon said long ago, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is deceived by it is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). Drinkers may feel that they are more relaxed and confident, but they are being deceived by the drug.
A Look At The Statistics
A new study has found that excessive alcohol use counts for 10% of deaths for adults between the ages of 20 and 64.
Alcohol is the deadliest drug in the United States. 6 people die every day in America from alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning occurs when alcohol is ingested more quickly than the body can process it. The alcohol depresses nerves that control the circulatory, respiratory and other involuntary systems and actions, including gag reflex, which prevents choking when vomiting. (Note: This is why so many inebriated people die from choking.)
1 in every 25 deaths around the world is related to alcohol in one way or another.
Alcohol makes one more likely to be a perpetrator of violent crime. About 40% of violent criminals consume alcohol before committing violent crimes.
Alcohol consumption also increases one’s likelihood of being a victim of violent crime. About 40% of homicide victims had consumed alcohol prior to their deaths. This is understandable, for alcohol impairs judgment which reduces one’s options in a fight or flight situation.
There are 88,000 alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. every year. Alcohol use was responsible for 3.3 million deaths worldwide in the year 2012. It is estimated that a total combined 2.5 million years of potential life is lost each year from alcohol deaths.
These mortality numbers alone are staggering. However, the numbers increase into the tens of millions if we were to add the numbers of people who suffer non-fatally from alcohol use and abuse, whether from their own actions (cancers, organ damage, injuries…etc), or as the victims of alcohol abusers (injuries, physical and emotional abuse and trauma…etc).
The physical and emotional consequences of alcohol use are indeed bad, but the spiritual consequences are far worse. While we should certainly be concerned about the adverse physical consequences and costs of alcohol abuse, we should be more concerned about the spiritual consequences for one’s own soul. According to the Psalmist, our physical bodies will last only an average of between 70 and 80 years (Psalm 90:10 — Interestingly, the average life expectancy in the US today is 76 and about 71 worldwide). Then, as described by Solomon (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7), and as we learn from our own personal experience and observation, the human body wears out and we “fly away.” That is, our spirits leave our bodies — we die. At that point, nothing else matters but the condition of the dead person’s soul. Our physical lifespan is nothing compared to eternity. People tend to fret over statistics such as those cited above, but we need to concern ourselves more with the eternal consequences of our actions and the potential loss of our souls (Matthew 16:26).
Different Views On Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol users do not all follow the same “ethic” when it comes to alcohol consumption. I have heard some say that “it is okay to drink just as long as you don’t get drunk.” These people do not believe that the consumption of alcohol is wrong, per se. They believe that it becomes wrong only if it leads to inebriation and the lack of self control. Sadly, many people in this group call themselves “Christians.” They defend what is called “social drinking,” or the “casual” and “recreational” use of alcohol.
Others will say that “it is okay to get drunk just as long as you don’t harm other people.” To those in this category, inebriation itself is not wrong, but becomes wrong only if one harms someone else while he is in his drunken condition. This is a pure libertarian position. They defend the recreational use of other drugs on the same premise.
Of course, some drinkers are completely irreligious and amoral and don’t care what they do to other people. They behave as mere animals, selfishly gratifying their own desires. Such people are undeterred by articles like this one, for they reject the inspiration of the Scriptures and see no need to be governed by them or by other social mores. This article is designed for those who are concerned about right and wrong, and/or accept the Scriptures as being “given by the inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16).
The Bible reveals the long history of horrible consequences of alcohol abuse, dating all the way back to the days of Noah (Genesis 9:20-26). It was Noah’s drunkenness that led to the circumstances that resulted in Canaan’s curse. Sadly, this old story of alcohol abuse, with its indiscretions and unintended consequences, has played out many times and in many ways over the course of human history. Instead of improving, the problem of alcohol abuse is only getting worse. We need to know the truth about alcohol. The Bible contains much helpful information about the nature and dangers of alcohol.
The Importance of Sobriety
The Bible frequently calls upon people to be “sober.” Sobriety is a characteristic of those who are godly and righteous (1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8). It is associated with wakefulness and watchfulness (1 Peter 1:13; 4:7; 5:8). This last passage gives the primary reason why we need to be sober. Peter wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Peter uses this analogy to portray the devil’s prowess and persistence. Through his agents and servants (John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15), the devil “walks around,” seeking to win people to his anti-God cause. Satan is the great “tempter” (1 Thessalonians 3:5), and temptation makes its appeal through our senses — the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes and the pride of possessions (1 John 2:16). One must guard his mind if he wishes to guard his soul. This is why Peter said to “gird up (strengthen) the loins of your mind, and be sober…” (1 Peter 1:13). Drugs, including alcohol, hinder one’s ability to reason clearly and critically. As noted above, alcohol actually breaks down normal inhibitions and removes the restraints of conscience, making one vulnerable to satan’s many devices.
How Alcohol Works
Alcohol is most commonly consumed in the form of beer, wine and various liquors (whiskey, vodka, rum…etc). There is an old rule of thumb that equates the alcohol content in a can of beer, a glass of wine, and a shot of whiskey. Once ingested, the alcohol is absorbed by the stomach and small intestine. It then enters the bloodstream and is diffused into bodily tissues, like the brain, heart, lungs…etc. Alcohol is eliminated from the body by the kidneys (urine, @ 5%), the lungs (exhaling, @ 5%), and the remainder by processes in the liver. Note: Twenty percent of all heavy drinkers develop cirrhosis of the liver — a degeneration of cells, inflammation, and fibrous thickening of the liver tissue. An average human body can eliminate about 0.5 oz. of alcohol in an hour — the amount contained in an average can of beer. Blood alcohol content (BAC) is determined by the volume and type of alcohol that is consumed.
- With a .03 to .12% BAC, a person becomes more self-confident or daring, his attention span shortens and his judgment and fine motor skills are impaired.
- With a .09 to .25% BAC, a person becomes sleepy, has trouble understanding or remembering things, does not react to situations quickly, loses balance and other bodily control, has blurred vision, and may have trouble sensing things (hearing, tasting, feeling).
- With a .18 to .30% BAC, a person is confused (may not know where he is or what he is doing), is dizzy, has slurred speech, is emotional (aggressive, withdrawn or overly affectionate), cannot see clearly, doesn’t feel pain.
- With a .25 to 0.4% BAC, a person can barely move, cannot stand or walk, may vomit and lapse in and out of consciousness.
- With a .35 to 0.5% BAC, a person is unconscious, has slow breathing and a slow heart rate, cool body temperature and is often near death.
- With a BAC over 0.5%, a person usually stops breathing and dies.
Many consumers of alcohol believe that there are “safe levels” of consumption, and that they know when to stop. However, the brain is affected by the very first drink. People are “deceived” by the alcohol. As referenced above, Proverbs 20:1 says, “Wine is a mocker; strong drink a brawler, and whoever is deceived by it is not wise.”
In the parable of the servants, Jesus said, “But if that servant says, ‘My Master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat his male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk” (Luke 12:45). Just as the unjust servant began “to beat” his servants when he made the first blow, he began “to be drunk” when he took the first drink. Inebriation is a process that begins with the very first drink. There are chemical reasons why most people have difficulty regulating their alcohol consumption. Most of the so-called “functioning alcoholics” are actually barely functioning, and what functions they do perform are often of inferior quality. They are not “functioning” at their full capacity.
What About Medicinal Uses Of Alcohol?
Before we examine several Bible passages that condemn the casual and recreational use of alcohol, we should note that the Bible does also cite some medicinal applications.
Antiseptic Use — Luke 10:30-37 records the story of the good Samaritan. A man had been attacked by thieves. He had been stripped of his clothes, wounded and left half dead. The priest and the Levite passed him by, offering him no help whatsoever. However, a certain Samaritan stopped and helped him. He treated the man’s wounds by “pouring in oil and wine” (Luke 10:34). The “wine” was oinos wine. As we shall see in a later section, this Greek word may describe either alcoholic or non-alcoholic wine. This context implies alcoholic wine, which would have served an antiseptic purpose. There would have been no medical benefit in pouring freshly squeezed grape juice into a wound, but alcoholic wine would have killed disease causing microorganisms that tend to form in open wounds.
This is most likely the purpose of the “little” amount of wine that Timothy was to “use” in 1 Timothy 5:23. The term for “wine” here is again the word oinos. Paul told Timothy, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” This passage obviously addresses the medicinal use of whatever kind of “wine” that Paul prescribes. It was for Timothy’s frequent “infirmities.”
Notice the difference in terms: Timothy was to drink water but he was to use a little wine. There is a difference between the regular action of drinking a thing and the occasional use of a thing. Paul used the term “use” in the sense of a prescription of use. Some have wisely observed that Luke, the beloved physician, often traveled with Paul, which could add weight to this interpretation. Customs scholars have observed that alcohol would have killed the bacteria found in some untreated water of that era and area.
Some people cite the healthful benefits of grape juice, and suggest that the “wine” of this passage must have been nonalcoholic. While this interpretation is possible, I see no contextual evidence for that conclusion here. It would not have been necessary for Paul to have instructed Timothy to “drink” mere grape juice. Furthermore, there would have been no need for Paul to prescribe only “a little” wine if the wine were mere grape juice. The “wine” of this passage had to be prescribed by Paul. Timothy would continue to drink water, but was to supplement it with a little wine. More on this passage later…
Anesthetic Use — Proverbs 31:6-7 says, “Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are of bitter heart. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” While the word “give” can sometimes be used in the sense of “leave,” as in “leave” strong drink to the perishing…, the more likely application of this passage is of an anesthetic use of alcohol. This may seem scary to some, but thousands of people a day are prescribed highly addictive narcotics (morphine, oxycodone, oxycontin, valium, percocet…etc) for pain and other problems, and millions of people use these drugs daily. It is perfectly reasonable to believe that prior to the development of modern drugs, God made a provision for the use of alcohol as an anesthetic.
Some object to this interpretation on the basis that it would authorize “heavy-hearted” and “poor people” to consume alcohol. This objection ignores the context and the Hebrew parallelism style of writing that is used in these verses. Verse 6 says that alcohol was for one who was perishing (dying). One who was dying would certainly be of a “heavy” heart. The alcohol was not prescribed merely for one who had a heavy heart, but for one who had a heavy heart because he was dying!
Verse 7 says that the alcohol would cause him to forget his “misery.” The parallel “poverty” is defined in connection with “misery.” In other words, this person was in a miserable condition (chronic illness or terminal condition); not merely poor. He might have become poor by his poor physical condition, but he was not merely “poor.”
Proverbs 31:6-7 does not condone the recreational and casual use of alcohol. It authorizes its use as an anesthesia, much like the modern use of morphine or other palliative care drugs.
According to Matthew 27:34, the Romans had a custom of offering crucifixion victims “vinegar mixed with gall.” This “gall” was likely a potion made from wormwood which would dull the senses and ease pain. Of course, Jesus refused this drug. His death had a special purpose. He would need His physical senses in order to utter His powerful final remarks.
Some Scriptures Against Alcohol Consumption
Listening to some people, one might conclude that the Bible has very little to say about alcohol consumption. They might know the passage in John 2 that speaks of Jesus turning water into “wine” (though they seldom understand the Bible’s usage of the word “wine” — more on this later). They also know that Paul directed Timothy to “use a little wine” for his stomach ailment (1 Timothy 5:23 — obviously medicinal). Alcohol defenders like these passages because they are easily construed to justify the general consumption of alcoholic beverages. However, they totally ignore the plain passages that condemn the casual and recreational use of alcohol.
1 Peter 4:3 says, “For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles — when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.” Though it may not be immediately obvious to the casual reader of this verse, Peter here condemns three different levels of alcohol consumption — “drunkenness” (full-blown inebriation, a drunken stupor), “revelries” (not yet incapacitated, but emotionally “high” (merry) and with a loss of moral inhibitions), and “drinking parties” (social drinking, wine sipping). Many alcohol users, including many “religious” people, condemn only drunkenness, but the Bible here condemns other levels of alcohol consumption.
“Drunkenness” requires little explanation, for it was in Peter’s day what it is today — inebriation. This condition is repeatedly condemned in Scripture (Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10; Galatians 5:21). A person in this condition has lost control of his faculties and behavior. He might even lose consciousness or even die from alcohol poisoning. As noted above, six people die every day in America from alcohol poisoning.
“Revelries” is translated from the Greek word “komos,” which describes the condition of drinkers prior to full-blown drunkenness. This word describes the “excited, festal and uncontrolled spirit” of the alcohol consumer. Like Nabal of old (1 Samuel 25:36), he has imbibed to the point of having a “merry heart.” In our modern vernacular he is a “party-animal.” One in this condition might be loud and emotional. He might sing loudly. He might be insulting and inconsiderate of others. He might even harm others. He has little control over his thoughts and actions. He is given to other vices, particularly sexual sin and violence.
“Drinking parties” is translated from the Greek word “potos,” which is not necessarily excessive, but “gives opportunity” for excess. This word describes a level of drinking that is very common in many cultures — social drinking or “sipping” of wine. Many people, including many “Christians,” try to defend social drinking (beer after work, wine or liquor after a meal, bourbon or other whiskey at a business transaction…etc), but Peter’s condemnation of “potos” prohibits this level of drinking along with reveling and drunkenness. 1 Peter 4:3 condemns all levels of casual and recreational alcohol consumption.
Ephesians 5:18 — “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” By considering this verse alongside its companion of Colossians 3:16, we understand that Paul is telling people to turn to the words of Christ for their courage and comfort, rather than to alcohol. Alcohol leads, not to orderly and productive behavior, but to “reckless actions” (Holeman Bible, Eph. 5:18). Many people turn to alcohol for comfort, courage and confidence, but it is God’s word that best helps us to acquire these qualities. People should turn to the Scriptures for comfort (Romans 15:4), courage (1 Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 6:10), and confidence (Proverbs 14:34; 2 Timothy 1:12).
Proverbs 20:1 — “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Solomon uses a figure of speech called personification to represent alcohol as a deceiver. He means that the very chemical properties of alcohol have this effect upon its users. As every alcohol user knows, there are often unintended, unpleasant and even destructive consequences of alcohol use. No man begins his evening of drinking with the express purpose of entering a brawl, beating up his wife, raping his girlfriend or killing or maiming himself or someone else in a car crash. However, these things are regularly done by alcohol consumers. Alcohol is “a mocker” because it causes people to do things that they would not otherwise do and act in ways that they would not otherwise act. The wine, beer or bourbon may look appealing, “but at the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder” (Proverbs 23:31-32).
Proverbs 31:4-5 — “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, it is not for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and forget the rights of all the afflicted.” We often hear the 6th and 7th verses of this chapter cited (about alcohol being used medicinally for those who are “perishing”), but people tend to skip over the previous two verses that warn against the casual use of alcohol. King Lemuel cited two grave consequences of alcohol use: forgetting the law and forgetting the legal rights of afflicted citizens. Sadly, alcohol consumption is a commonly accepted practice by political leaders in this country and in many others. It is a big problem when the authors and enforcers of the law “forget” or forget to apply the very laws that they have sworn to uphold. This failure can lead to injustice, distrust of government and social unrest.
Modern medical science supports Lemuel’s claim that alcohol causes forgetfulness. We also know this from personal observation and many people know it from personal experience. And while it may be humorous (and even good) for the drunk to forget where he parked his car, it isn’t so funny when he forgets the law (whether God’s law or man’s law) and does something illegal and wrong. The drunk might forget God’s marriage law and cheat on his spouse or abuse his children. He might forget traffic laws and end up fined, in jail, or in a car crash. He might forget the second greatest commandment and the golden rule and be belligerent or abusive to his neighbor.
Isaiah 28:7 tells us that alcohol use can also be problematic for spiritual leaders. The prophets and priests of Isaiah’s day “inflamed” themselves with wine and strong drink, which caused them to “err in vision” and “stumble in judgment.” In the New Testament, Paul taught that one does not qualify to serve as an elder in a local church if he is “given to wine” (1 Timothy 3:3). This charge follows the statement in the previous verse requiring an elder to be “self-controlled.” Obviously, alcohol consumption never encourages or produces self-control, and is typically associated with a lack thereof.
Proverbs 23:29-35 — “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast. ‘They struck me,’ you will say, ‘but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.’”
Though Solomon wrote these words seven hundred years before the arrival of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, his words are every bit as relatable and applicable as they were when he wrote them. Solomon here describes the various consequences of alcohol consumption:
“Woe” and “sorrow” describe the emotional consequences of alcohol consumption. “Strife” (contentions) and “complaining” describe the social consequences. “Wounds without cause” and “redness of eyes” describe the physical consequences. The feeling of being “on the sea” or on the “top of the mast” describe the psychological consequences (dizziness, disorientation). “Mixed wine” has reference to fortifying wine to boost its alcohol content. This has become an absolute science among many producers today.
The warning against “looking upon the wine” is a call for reason. Don’t be fooled by the aesthetic appeal of the drink (red and sparkly in the cup). Alcohol may look good, but it has bad consequences. Beer, wine and whiskey commercials are great at making alcohol look appealing, but they never show you the whole story — they never show the head-on collisions, murders, rapes, lost jobs, lost productivity, broken homes, broken bones, cuts, abrasions, cancers, liver sclerosis and heart disease. And worst of all, they never show people suffering eternal hellfire because of their rejection of God (Galatians 5:21).
Along with the emotional, social and physical consequences already mentioned, alcohol suppresses personal inhibitions. The conscience ceases to function properly. Moral judgment is impaired. This results in “perverse” thoughts and actions. Lot’s drunkenness so damaged his reason and judgment that he had sexual relations with his own daughters (Genesis 19:33-38). Moab and Ammon, the nations produced from these sinful unions, would later persecute God’s chosen people for decades.
But why the warning against “looking at the wine?” Unfermented grape juice is also “red.” Other non-alcoholic drinks can “sparkle.” So, why the warning? The answer has to do with the drinker’s objective. People don’t drink because of the color of the wine, whiskey or beer, but because of what it will do “for” (to) them. It will deaden their pains, erase their memories and suppress their inhibitions. It will alter their persona, allow them to forget who they are, and “just have a good time,” as they consider it. The reality is that “wine is a mocker and strong drink is deceiving; those who are fooled by it are not wise” (Proverbs 20:1).
Finally, Proverbs 23:35 shows that alcohol is addictive. When the individual of the passage awakes from his drunken stupor he will say, “I must have another drink.” One drink leads to another, and another… Scripture affirmed the addictive nature of alcohol long before medical science discovered it.
Answering Some Objections
Not everyone cares what the Bible says about the use of alcohol, but many alcohol consumers consider themselves “religious,” and they feel compelled to have biblical approval of their actions. This has led many religious people to look for Bible passages in defense of the casual and social use of intoxicants. While we appreciate that people feel compelled to have biblical support for their actions (John 5:39; Acts 17:11), we are sad when Scriptures are twisted (2 Peter 3:17), and no Scripture supports the non-medicinal, casual consumption of alcohol.
John 2:1-11 — Perhaps the most commonly misused Bible passage on the subject of alcohol is John 2:1-11, where Jesus turned water into “wine.” It is argued that since Jesus produced “wine” for social use, then the casual consumption of intoxicants must be approved by God. This conclusion is faulty for several reasons:
- The argument assumes that Bible “wine” was always alcoholic, when it actually was not. Proverbs 3:10 speaks of the presses bursting forth with “new wine.” Grape presses contain grape juice, not alcoholic wine. NOTE: Though the Hebrew word tiyrowsh is used in Proverbs 3:10, Jeremiah uses the common word yayin in Jeremiah 48:33, where God said that He had caused the “wine” to fail from their winepresses. This means that both of these Hebrew words for “wine” are sometimes used of nonalcoholic wine. Isaiah 65:8 speaks of the “new wine” being “found in the cluster.” Grape clusters contain grape juice, not alcoholic wine. Jeremiah 40:10 &12 speak of “gathering wine” and summer fruits. Grapes (with their juice) are gathered, not alcoholic wine. Many other Old Testament passages mention “wine” with corn and other crops. The writers are obviously referring to grapes, not an alcoholic drink. Joel 1:10 is an example of this. Joel said, “The fields are destroyed; the ground mourns because the grain is destroyed, the wine is dried up and the oil languishes.” “Wine” represented grapes that dried on the vine and “oil” represented olives that never matured and thus never produced oil.
- The argument assumes that Jesus manufactured 120 gallons of intoxicating wine for people who were already drunk! This conclusion is built upon a series of unprovable assertions. It is assumed and asserted: (1) That the expression “good wine” in verse 10 means more intoxicating wine. (2) That the expression “poor wine” in verse 10 means less intoxicating wine. (3) That the expression “drunk freely” or “well drunk” in verse 10 means that the attendees were intoxicated. A cursory reading of John 2:9 shows that the master of the feast had reference to the “taste” of the wine when he described Jesus’ wine as being “good” or “better” wine. He meant that it was fresher and thus better tasting, not that it was more intoxicating! Furthermore, if the original “wine” was intoxicating and the phrase “drunk freely” implies intoxication, then how would the master of the feast have recognized the difference with desensitized taste buds?
- The argument attributes sinful conduct to the Savior! It represents Jesus as contributing to debauchery. However, Jesus and His apostles always condemned drunkenness (Lk. 21:34; Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 5:11; 6:10; Gal. 5:21).
1 Timothy 5:23 — Paul told Timothy, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach and your frequent ailments.” Some attempt to use this passage to justify casual consumption of modern intoxicants. However, as noted earlier, Paul told Timothy to “use” a little wine, not to “drink” wine. This is a technical distinction. The use of this prescription-styled language, coupled with the fact that Timothy was told to use the wine as a remedy for stomach “ailments,” proves that this was a medicinal use of wine, not casual consumption.
Conclusion
Alcohol has destroyed the lives and souls of millions of people. The Bible nowhere authorizes the casual and recreational use of alcohol. Alcohol may make great racing fuel and parts cleaner, but it is not good for drinking. Even though it is defended by all sorts of “religious” people, from Catholics to denominationalists and even some members of some churches of Christ, the very popular practice of “social drinking” is condemned in Scripture. While I would hope that all people would accept what the Bible teaches about the consumption of alcohol, I am especially hopeful that professed Bible-believers would study and accept the conclusions that are set forth in this study.
—Tim Haile