Topical Encyclopedia Drunkenness, as depicted in the Bible, is consistently portrayed as a vice that leads to moral and spiritual degradation. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings against the excesses of alcohol consumption, highlighting the folly and destructive consequences of yielding to drunkenness.Old Testament Warnings The Old Testament offers several admonitions against drunkenness, emphasizing its detrimental effects on individuals and society. Proverbs 20:1 states, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This verse underscores the deceptive nature of alcohol, which can lead individuals away from wisdom and into folly. In Proverbs 23:29-35, the dangers of excessive drinking are vividly described. The passage begins with a series of rhetorical questions: "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?" (Proverbs 23:29). The answer is clear: "Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks" (Proverbs 23:30). The passage warns of the physical and emotional turmoil that accompanies drunkenness, likening it to being bitten by a serpent or stung by a viper (Proverbs 23:32). New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to caution against the perils of drunkenness, urging believers to exercise self-control and sobriety. In Ephesians 5:18 , the Apostle Paul instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Here, drunkenness is contrasted with being filled with the Holy Spirit, suggesting that yielding to alcohol impairs one's spiritual discernment and moral judgment. Galatians 5:19-21 lists drunkenness among the "acts of the flesh," warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This passage highlights the incompatibility of a lifestyle characterized by excess and indulgence with the values of the Kingdom. Consequences and Illustrations The Bible provides several narratives that illustrate the folly of drunkenness and its consequences. One notable example is the account of Noah, who, after the flood, became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent (Genesis 9:20-21). This incident led to a series of unfortunate events, resulting in a curse upon Noah's grandson, Canaan. Another example is found in the account of Lot, who, after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, was made drunk by his daughters. In his inebriated state, he unwittingly fathered children by them (Genesis 19:30-36). This account serves as a stark reminder of the moral lapses and familial discord that can arise from drunkenness. 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 inability to exercise restraint over one's appetites can lead to a host of other sins, including debauchery, violence, and immorality. As such, the Bible encourages believers to remain vigilant and sober-minded, recognizing that the adversary seeks to exploit moments of weakness (1 Peter 5:8). In summary, the Bible consistently portrays drunkenness as a folly that leads to personal and spiritual ruin. Through its teachings and narratives, Scripture warns of the dangers of yielding to alcohol and exhorts believers to pursue a life of sobriety and self-discipline. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 20:1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Psalms and Proverbs. The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ... Ephesians v. 15, 16, 17 Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... Cholera, 1866 Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200 Luke x. The Latter Part of the 25Th Verse. The Best Strengthening Medicine Matt. v. 1, 2 Resources Is it a sin to drink alcohol? | GotQuestions.orgIs getting drunk a sin? | GotQuestions.org What is the origin of Fat Tuesday / Mardi Gras? | GotQuestions.org Drunkenness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Drunkenness is a Work of the Flesh Drunkenness: Avoid Those Given To Drunkenness: Ben-Hadad and his Thirty-Two Confederate Kings Drunkenness: Denunciations Against: Those Given To Drunkenness: Denunciations Against: Those Who Encourage Drunkenness: Excludes from Heaven Drunkenness: False Teachers often Addicted To Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of Hannah Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of Jesus Drunkenness: Falsely Accused of The Apostles Drunkenness: Folly of Yielding To Drunkenness: General Scriptures Concerning Drunkenness: Leads to Contempt of God's Works Drunkenness: Leads to Rioting and Wantonness Drunkenness: Leads to Scorning Drunkenness: Leads to Woe and Sorrow Drunkenness: Overcharges the Heart Drunkenness: Takes Away the Heart Drunkenness: The Wicked Addicted To Related Terms Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences) |
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