Topical Bible: Drunkenness: The Wicked Addicted To

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Drunkenness is frequently addressed in the Bible as a vice that leads individuals away from righteousness and into a life of folly and sin. The Scriptures consistently portray drunkenness as a behavior characteristic of the wicked, who are often depicted as being enslaved to their appetites and desires.

In the Old Testament, the book of Proverbs provides numerous warnings against the dangers of excessive drinking. 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 highlights the deceptive nature of alcohol, which can lead individuals into foolishness and conflict. The wicked, lacking wisdom, are often ensnared by such temptations.

The prophet Isaiah also speaks against the indulgence in strong drink, particularly among those who should be leading with integrity. Isaiah 5:11-12 declares, "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." Here, the prophet condemns those who prioritize their own pleasure over the reverence and worship of God, illustrating how drunkenness can lead to spiritual neglect.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul addresses the issue of drunkenness in his epistles. In Galatians 5:19-21 , he lists drunkenness among the "acts of the flesh" and warns that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This passage underscores the severity of drunkenness as a sin that separates individuals from the promises of God.

Paul further admonishes believers in Ephesians 5:18 , "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This exhortation contrasts the destructive nature of drunkenness with the edifying presence of the Holy Spirit, urging Christians to seek spiritual fulfillment rather than succumbing to the fleeting pleasures of alcohol.

The Bible also provides narratives that illustrate the consequences of drunkenness. In Genesis 9:20-21 , Noah becomes drunk and exposes himself, leading to shame and discord within his family. Similarly, in Genesis 19:30-36 , Lot's daughters exploit their father's drunkenness to commit incest, resulting in the birth of nations that would become adversaries of Israel.

Throughout Scripture, drunkenness is depicted as a hallmark of the wicked, who are often portrayed as lacking self-control and discernment. The Bible's consistent message is that those who indulge in excessive drinking are at risk of moral and spiritual decay, distancing themselves from the path of righteousness and the blessings of a life devoted to God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 5:1-4
Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Character and Teaching of the Bishop.
... any one be in want by gluttony, drunkenness, or idleness ... evil-speaking; not a dissembler;
not addicted to the ... one who has renounced all the wicked projects of ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii on the character and.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... have peace, although I walk according to the stubbornness of mine own heart, thus
adding drunkenness to thirst ... No man is so wicked that he is addicted to all ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm

The Life of Mr. Thomas Hog.
... He was much addicted to the harmless diversions of ... which confirmed Mr. Hog's aversion
to drunkenness, and his ... poor wretch continued in his wicked courses, and ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr thomas.htm

Acts xxviii. 1
... this was painted on it: so addicted were they ... others God turned (the malice of) that
(wicked one) to ... a man, revelling in gluttony and drunkenness, and troubled ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liv acts xxviii 1.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... a special hand in them: "The Almighty hath addicted me" (Ruth 1 ... The sins of the wicked
do much disfigure them ... Drunkenness is a disfiguring sin, it turns men into ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

Answer to the Objection of the Heathen, that it was not Right to ...
... while, on the other hand, the wicked shall receive ... have been overpowered with sleep
and drunkenness, do ye ... And those who are godless, addicted to impiety, hard ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter x answer to the objection.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... repeat, no man if he be infinitely wicked could attack ... more offensive: for they who
are addicted to this ... whole body with the band of drunkenness and surfeit ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

1 Timothy iv. 14-Nov
... to teach a man not to be wicked, but to ... his time is spent between feasting and
drunkenness, is he ... and useless phlegm, we are nevertheless so addicted to luxury ...
/.../homily xiii 1 timothy iv.htm

Homiletical.
... pursuit of the Chald??ans, or have been addicted to the ... Drunkenness is the ruin of
reason, the destruction of ... part either of the unfortunate or of the wicked. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... of the good, tolerating the wicked, as the ... does not know how many addicted to this ...
strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xciii a d 408.htm