Topical Encyclopedia Wine, a fermented beverage made from grapes, holds a significant place in biblical narratives and teachings. While wine is often depicted as a symbol of joy and blessing, the Bible also provides numerous warnings against the dangers of intoxication and the moral and spiritual pitfalls associated with excessive consumption.Old Testament Warnings and Narratives The Old Testament contains several accounts and admonitions regarding the misuse of wine. In Genesis 9:20-21, Noah becomes drunk and exposes himself, leading to familial discord. This early narrative sets a precedent for the potential shame and disorder that can result from intoxication. Proverbs offers wisdom literature that frequently addresses the perils of excessive drinking. Proverbs 20:1 states, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This verse highlights the deceptive nature of wine and the folly of those who allow themselves to be controlled by it. Similarly, Proverbs 23:29-35 provides a vivid description of the woes and strife that accompany drunkenness, warning against the allure of wine that "goes down smoothly" but ultimately "bites like a snake." The Levitical law also includes specific prohibitions for priests regarding wine consumption during their service in the tabernacle, as seen in Leviticus 10:9 : "You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting, or else you will die. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come." This command underscores the importance of sobriety in maintaining holiness and reverence in worship. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to address the issue of intoxication, emphasizing self-control and the spiritual dangers of drunkenness. In Ephesians 5:18 , Paul instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Here, the apostle contrasts the loss of control associated with drunkenness with the spiritual fullness and guidance provided by the Holy Spirit. The pastoral epistles also provide guidance for church leaders and members regarding sobriety. In 1 Timothy 3:2-3 , Paul lists the qualifications for overseers, including being "temperate, self-controlled, respectable," and "not given to drunkenness." This reflects the expectation that leaders exemplify a lifestyle of moderation and discipline. Moral and Spiritual Implications Throughout Scripture, the misuse of wine and resulting intoxication are often linked to moral decay and spiritual decline. Isaiah 5:11-12 warns, "Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. They have harps and lyres at their banquets, tambourines and flutes and wine, but they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD, no respect for the work of his hands." This passage illustrates how excessive drinking can lead to a disregard for God and His works. The Bible consistently calls believers to a life of sobriety, self-control, and awareness of the spiritual consequences of their actions. While wine itself is not condemned, the Scriptures caution against its potential to lead individuals away from a righteous and God-honoring life. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 104:15And wine that makes glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengthens man's heart. Nave's Topical Index Proverbs 4:17 Library On Drinking. On the Use of Ointments and Crowns. Titus ii. 5-Feb The Portrait of a Drunkyard Disclosure of the Monstrous Tenets of the Manich??ans. Paul's Reasons for Temperance The Waterpots at Cana Epistle Lxii. C??cilius, on the Sacrament of the Cup of the Lord. The Miracle of Pentecost and the Birthday of the Christian The Unseen Watcher Resources What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is consubstantiation? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus choose the wedding at Cana for His first miracle? | GotQuestions.org Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wine in Excess: Impairs the Health Wine in Excess: Impairs the Judgment and Memory Wine in Excess: Inflames the Passions Wine in Excess: Infuriates the Temper Wine in Excess: Leads to Remorse Wine in Excess: Leads to Sorrow and Contention Wine in Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God Wine Press of the Judgments of God Wine Press: General Scriptures Concerning Wine Press: Treading The, of the Sufferings of Christ Wine Press: Trodden With Joy and Shouting Wine was Made of The Juice of the Grape Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate Wine was Used for Drink offerings in Idolatrous Worship Wine was Used for Drink offerings in the Worship of God Wine was Used: As a Beverage from the Earliest Age Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments Wine with Corn and Oil, Denoted all Temporal Blessings Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel Wine: Abstinence from of the Courtiers of Ahasuerus Wine: Abstinence from of Timothy Wine: Admonitions Against the Use of Wine: An Article of Extensive Commerce Wine: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion Wine: Consequence of Putting (When New), Into Old Bottles Wine: Custom of Giving to Persons in Pain or Suffering, Mixed With Wine: Custom of Presenting to Travellers Wine: First Fruits of, to be offered to God Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites During Their Separation Wine: Forbidden to Priests While on Duty Wine: Forbidden to the Priests While Engaged in the Tabernacle Wine: Generally Made by Treading the Grapes in a Press Wine: Given by Melchizedek to Abraham Wine: Given in Abundance to the Jews when Obedient Wine: Intoxication from the Use of Wine: Intoxication From: Ahasuerus Wine: Intoxication From: Amnon Wine: Intoxication From: Falsely Charged Against the Disciples Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers Wine: Intoxication From: Kings of Israel Wine: Intoxication From: Nabal Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength Wine: Places Celebrated For: Assyria Wine: Places Celebrated For: Canaan in General Wine: Places Celebrated For: Helbon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Lebanon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Moab Wine: Places Celebrated For: Possessions of Judah Wine: Recommended by Paul to Timothy Wine: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage Wine: Sweet, Esteemed for Flavour and Strength Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus Wine: The Jews Frequently Deprived of, As a Punishment Wine: The Jews Frequently Drank, to Excess Wine: The Love of Christ to be Preferred To Wine: The Rechabites Never Drank Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into Related Terms |
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