Topical Bible: Drunkenness: Leads to Rioting and Wantonness

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Drunkenness, as depicted in the Bible, is a state of intoxication that impairs judgment and leads to sinful behavior. It is frequently associated with moral decay, social disorder, and spiritual downfall. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings against the dangers of excessive drinking, highlighting its potential to lead to rioting and wantonness.

Biblical Warnings Against Drunkenness

The Bible consistently warns against the perils of drunkenness. In the Old Testament, 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 the New Testament, the Apostle Paul admonishes believers to avoid drunkenness. 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.

Drunkenness and Rioting

Drunkenness often results in a loss of self-control, which can manifest in riotous behavior. The Bible provides examples of how intoxication can lead to chaos and disorder. In the account of Noah, Genesis 9:21 describes how Noah became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent, leading to a shameful incident involving his sons. This narrative illustrates how drunkenness can result in actions that disrupt familial and social harmony.

The connection between drunkenness and rioting is further emphasized in Romans 13:13 , where Paul exhorts believers, "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy." The apostle links drunkenness with carousing and debauchery, behaviors that often lead to public disorder and conflict.

Drunkenness and Wantonness

Wantonness, characterized by unrestrained indulgence in sensual pleasures, is another consequence of drunkenness. The Bible warns that intoxication can lower inhibitions and lead to immoral conduct. In the account of Lot, Genesis 19:32-35 recounts how Lot's daughters made him drink wine to the point of intoxication, resulting in incestuous relations. This account serves as a stark reminder of how drunkenness can lead to grievous sin.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks to the link between drunkenness and wantonness. Isaiah 5:11-12 declares, "Woe to those who rise early in the morning to pursue strong drink, who linger into the evening to be inflamed by wine. They have harps and lyres at their banquets, tambourines and flutes, and wine, but they disregard the deeds of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands." This passage highlights how the pursuit of pleasure through alcohol can lead individuals away from God and into a life of excess and moral laxity.

Spiritual Implications

Drunkenness not only affects one's physical and social well-being but also has profound spiritual implications. It is often depicted as a barrier to inheriting the kingdom of God. In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists drunkenness among the "acts of the flesh" and warns, "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of a lifestyle characterized by intoxication and its associated sins.

The Bible calls believers to a life of sobriety and self-control, virtues that stand in stark contrast to the chaos and immorality associated with drunkenness. By adhering to these principles, Christians are encouraged to live in a manner that honors God and reflects His holiness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 13:13
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Rom. xiii. 11
... Wherefore after first saying, "not in rioting and drunkenness ... by the sore evil of
wantonness, and have ... You see how drunkenness leads to whoredom, whoredom to ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxiv rom xiii 11.htm

Love and the Day
... Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in ... of 'the
day.' The light of that dawn draws Paul's eyes and leads him to wider ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/love and the day.htm

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... They were not in the chambers of rioting and wantonness ... England: if we are to put
down drunkenness and the ... grace has a strange subduing power, and leads men to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/the doctrines of grace do.htm

Book Eight Conversion to Christ. ...
... confess, which they are unwilling to do, that the will that leads to our ... the paragraph
on which my eyes first fell: "Not in rioting and drunkenness, not in ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book eight conversion to christ .htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... I read that paragraph on which my eye first fell: "Not in rioting and drunkenness,
not in ... 5. The Law leads to the kingdom of heaven as well as the Gospel. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

On the Theophany, or Birthday of Christ.
... to do despite unto the image of God; Not in rioting and drunkenness, with which ... sin,
while Malakia is the relaxation of the will which leads and assents to ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxviii on the theophany.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... Friend, thy way leads 'down to death,' and thy 'steps take hold on ... things they spend
most of their time in lusts, drunkenness, wantonness, idleness, together ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm