Topical Bible: Drunkenness: Avoid Those Given To

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Drunkenness, as depicted in the Bible, is a state of intoxication resulting from excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. It is frequently associated with moral and spiritual decline, leading to various forms of sinful behavior. The Scriptures provide clear guidance on the dangers of drunkenness and the importance of avoiding those who indulge in it.

Biblical Warnings Against Drunkenness

The Bible consistently warns against the perils of drunkenness. 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 alcohol, which can lead individuals away from wisdom and righteousness.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to live soberly. Ephesians 5:18 instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Here, Paul contrasts the destructive influence of alcohol with the edifying presence of the Holy Spirit, urging Christians to seek spiritual fulfillment rather than physical intoxication.

Consequences of Drunkenness

Drunkenness is often linked to a host of negative consequences, both spiritually and socially. Proverbs 23:29-35 vividly describes the woes associated with excessive drinking: "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks." The passage continues to warn of the physical and emotional turmoil that accompanies a lifestyle of indulgence.

The account of Noah in Genesis 9:20-27 serves as a cautionary tale about the shame and familial discord that can result from drunkenness. After becoming intoxicated, Noah's indiscretion leads to a curse upon his descendants, illustrating the far-reaching impact of such behavior.

Avoiding Those Given to Drunkenness

The Bible advises believers to exercise discernment in their associations, particularly with those who are given to drunkenness. In 1 Corinthians 5:11 , Paul instructs, "But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbal abuser, a drunkard or swindler. With such a man do not even eat." This directive underscores the importance of maintaining a community that upholds Christian values and avoids the corrupting influence of those who persist in sinful lifestyles.

Proverbs 23:20-21 further advises, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags." This passage highlights the practical consequences of associating with those who indulge in excess, warning of the potential for financial and moral ruin.

Living a Life of Sobriety

The call to avoid drunkenness and those who practice it is part of a broader biblical exhortation to live a life of sobriety and self-control. Titus 2:11-12 encourages believers, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age." This instruction reflects the transformative power of God's grace, enabling Christians to pursue a life that honors Him.

In summary, the Bible provides clear guidance on the dangers of drunkenness and the importance of avoiding those who are given to it. Through wisdom, discernment, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, believers are called to live lives marked by sobriety and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 23:20
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I have written to you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortionist; with such an one no not to eat.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness
... recommend to you, in order to get the better or drunkenness, is to avoid evil company. ...
And they that are born after the flesh, will persecute those that are ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the heinous sin of drunkenness.htm

Again on the Calamity of the City of Antioch. ...
... Dost thou wish to keep aloof from drunkenness? Avoid luxury and sumptuous tables,
and pluck up the vice ... we thus regulate ourselves, none of those heavy events ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xv again on the.htm

All Association with Idols is to be Avoided.
... and obscene discourses, and jestings, drunkenness, lasciviousness, luxury ... Admonition
Instructing Men to Avoid the Abominable ... behold, they are as those that mock ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii all association with idols.htm

Of the Ways in which Our Soul is Weighed Down.
... things earthly, yet it is very easy to avoid them, especially ... on any occasion have
anything to do with those visible cares and drunkenness and surfeiting ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter v of the ways.htm

On the Character and Teaching of the Bishop.
... any one be in want by gluttony, drunkenness, or idleness ... at least do some good action,
and avoid some wicked ... says God by the prophet: "Testify those things to ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the character and.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... if you please, but take care to avoid the appearance ... if Jesus Christ was not to stop
those who thus ... is this, but to charge Christ with encouraging drunkenness? ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

The Pure in Heart
... well as the anxieties which must come to those who have ... them, lest he frighten them
into lying; to avoid bad language, gluttony, drunkenness, and every ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xvi the pure in.htm

On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ...
... driven off all the evil floods of drunkenness; and they ... the reason of the overthrow,
might avoid imitating the ... Those who had sinned, He caused not to continue ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xix on the sunday.htm

Letter xxxvi. (AD 396. )
... let him inquire, not whether it is lawful to indulge in drunkenness on the ... said,
"He hath a devil;" but let us equally avoid imitating those who said ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxxvi a d 396.htm

Certain Prayers and Laws.
... if the ungodly possess the place, do thou avoid it, because ... both the presbyters and
the deacons are those of authority ... Drink not wine to drunkenness;" and again ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv certain prayers and laws.htm