In the Bible, the term "drunkard" refers to a person who habitually engages in excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages, leading to a state of intoxication. The Scriptures consistently portray drunkenness as a vice that leads to moral and spiritual decay, warning against its dangers and consequences.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several accounts and warnings regarding drunkenness. In Genesis 9:20-21, Noah becomes drunk and exposes himself, leading to familial discord. This incident illustrates the shame and vulnerability that can accompany intoxication. Proverbs 20:1 cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This verse highlights the deceptive nature of alcohol and its potential to lead individuals away from wisdom.

Proverbs 23:29-35 offers a vivid description of the effects of excessive drinking, painting a picture of woe, sorrow, and strife. It warns against lingering over wine and succumbing to its allure, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll it takes on the drinker.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues to address the issue of drunkenness, urging believers to exercise self-control and sobriety. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This verse contrasts the destructive nature of drunkenness with the edifying influence of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 lists drunkards among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, underscoring the seriousness of this sin. Similarly, Galatians 5:19-21 includes drunkenness in the "acts of the flesh," warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Drunkenness is often associated with a lack of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit that believers are called to cultivate (Galatians 5:22-23). The Bible encourages moderation and warns against the loss of judgment and moral compromise that can result from intoxication. Isaiah 5:11-12 condemns those who rise early to pursue strong drink, neglecting the deeds of the Lord.

Social and Community Impact

The Bible also acknowledges the broader social implications of drunkenness. In Habakkuk 2:15, the prophet pronounces woe upon those who give drink to their neighbors, highlighting the communal harm caused by promoting intoxication. This reflects a concern for the well-being of others and the social fabric of the community.

Redemption and Hope

Despite the strong warnings against drunkenness, the Bible offers hope for redemption and transformation. 1 Corinthians 6:11 reminds believers that some were once drunkards, but they have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God. This underscores the power of God's grace to change lives and restore those who turn away from sin.

In summary, the Bible consistently warns against the dangers of drunkenness, urging believers to pursue a life of sobriety, self-control, and spiritual fullness. Through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, individuals can overcome the bondage of alcohol and live in accordance with God's will.

The Drunkard's Magnificat
... Chapter 13. Wesley in Scotland Again; Methodist's Wealth; "No Law for Methodists";
Exhausting Days; Whitefield The Drunkard's Magnificat. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/the drunkards magnificat.htm

On the Negative Spirit
... contemptuously any attempts to deal with the problem of strong drink by religious
offices or intercessions, and said that a picture of a drunkard's liver would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/ii on the negative spirit.htm

Moody Asks a Few Questions.
... Moody, my mother's dead, and my father drinks, and they don't love me, and the Lord
won't have anything to do with me because I am a poor drunkard's boy." "You ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/moody asks a few questions.htm

The Portrait of a Drunkyard
... The two words rendered 'woe' and 'sorrow' are unmeaning exclamations, very like
each other in sound, and imitating the senseless noises of the drunkard. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the portrait of a drunkyard.htm

Letter xiii. Christian Activity.
... extent; for intemperance has brought ruin and distress upon many families, and we
cannot expect either industry, economy, or any other virtue, in a drunkard. ...
/.../letter xiii christian activity.htm

A Man Reaps More than He Sows.
... One glass of whisky may lead to a drunkard's death. One lie may ruin a man's career. ...
Does not the drunkard make his wife and children reap a bitter harvest? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sowing and reaping/chapter v a man reaps.htm

Forgiveness and Retribution.
... From many a drunkard's miserable home, from heartbroken wife, from starving children,
there rings up a terrible appeal into the ears of God.". ...
/.../moody/sowing and reaping/chapter vii forgiveness and retribution.htm

Adonijah
... In more senses than one "the evil which men do lives after them." A drunkard's son,
for example, is often conscious of an inbred craving which is a veritable ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

Rhapsody
... 2) The Divine solution of this problem comes under the image of intoxication: the
haughty career of the Chaldean is no more than the drunkard's reeling which ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/rhapsody 2.htm

"That is Your Fault. "
... said: "I don't know how, I don't know when or where, but God has given me faith
to believe that our son will be saved and will never come to a drunkard's grave ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/that is your fault.htm

Drunkard's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Drunkard's (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 26:9 As a thorn that
cometh into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. ...
/d/drunkard's.htm - 6k

Drunkards (10 Occurrences)

/d/drunkards.htm - 9k

Drunken (38 Occurrences)

/d/drunken.htm - 18k

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