Cigarette smoking, a practice involving the inhalation of smoke from burning tobacco wrapped in paper, is a modern phenomenon not directly addressed in the Bible. However, principles derived from Scripture can be applied to form a Christian perspective on the practice.

Body as a Temple

The Bible emphasizes the sanctity of the human body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage suggests that Christians are called to honor God with their bodies, which can be interpreted as a call to avoid harmful substances, including tobacco, which is known to have detrimental health effects.

Stewardship of Health

The concept of stewardship is prevalent throughout the Bible, extending to the care of one's own health. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 , Paul instructs, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." This verse implies that all actions, including those affecting personal health, should honor God. Smoking, which is linked to numerous health issues, may be seen as contrary to the stewardship of one's body.

Addiction and Self-Control

The Bible speaks against being mastered by anything other than God. In 1 Corinthians 6:12 , Paul states, "Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be mastered by anything." Smoking, often associated with addiction, can become a controlling force in one's life, potentially conflicting with the biblical call to self-control and freedom in Christ.

Impact on Others

The Bible encourages believers to consider the impact of their actions on others. Romans 14:13 advises, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." Smoking, particularly in public or shared spaces, can affect the health and well-being of others, potentially serving as a stumbling block.

Wisdom and Discernment

Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." Christians are encouraged to seek wisdom and understanding in all areas of life. Given the well-documented health risks associated with smoking, applying wisdom may lead one to avoid or cease the practice.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention cigarette smoking, the principles of honoring God with one's body, exercising stewardship, maintaining self-control, considering the impact on others, and seeking wisdom provide a framework for evaluating the practice from a biblical perspective.1 Corinthians 6:20
For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
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1 Corinthians 6:19-20
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
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1 Corinthians 6:19
What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?
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1 Corinthians 3:17
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
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1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
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1 Corinthians 3:16
Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
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Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
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1 Corinthians 8:13
Why, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world stands, lest I make my brother to offend.
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James 4:17
Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.
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Temperance and the Teen Age
... Cigarette smoking is bad for anybody. It harms the growing tissue, dulls the conscience,
stunts the growth, and steals the brainpower of growing boys. ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xvii temperance and the teen.htm

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... Round the table are sitting the revising officers, looking collected and indifferent.
One is smoking a cigarette; another is looking through some papers. ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

Meanwhile Cardinal Bonpre had once More Reached his Own Apartments ...
... with a mass of bright orange-gold hair, half-dressed in a tawdry blue peignoir trimmed
with cheap lace, was sprawling lazily on a sofa smoking a cigarette. ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxx meanwhile cardinal bonpre had.htm

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