Topical Encyclopedia Wine, a common beverage in biblical times, is frequently mentioned in Scripture. While the Bible acknowledges wine as a gift from God that can bring joy and celebration, it also provides stern warnings against its excessive consumption. The misuse of wine, leading to drunkenness, is consistently condemned throughout the biblical text.Old Testament Warnings The Old Testament contains numerous admonitions against the excessive use of wine. 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 when consumed in excess, leading individuals away from wisdom and righteousness. In Proverbs 23:29-35 , the dangers of overindulgence are vividly described: "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper." This passage warns of the physical and emotional consequences of drunkenness, portraying it as a path to personal ruin. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to caution against the dangers of excessive wine consumption. Ephesians 5:18 instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Here, the Apostle Paul contrasts the effects of drunkenness with the filling of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to seek spiritual fulfillment rather than the fleeting pleasures of intoxication. In 1 Peter 4:3 , the apostle Peter reminds believers of their past lives, saying, "For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry." This verse underscores the transformation expected in the lives of Christians, moving away from behaviors associated with excess and immorality. Leadership and Sobriety Scripture places particular emphasis on sobriety for those in positions of leadership within the church. In 1 Timothy 3:2-3 , Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers, stating, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money." Similarly, Titus 1:7-8 echoes these qualifications, emphasizing the importance of self-control and moderation. Consequences of Drunkenness The Bible also provides examples of the negative consequences of drunkenness. In Genesis 9:20-21 , Noah's excessive drinking leads to a shameful incident with his sons. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 25:36-38 , Nabal's drunkenness results in his downfall, illustrating the destructive potential of wine when consumed without restraint. Spiritual Implications The spiritual implications of drunkenness are significant. 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 serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual dangers associated with excessive wine consumption. In summary, while wine is acknowledged as a part of cultural and religious life in biblical times, the Scriptures provide clear and consistent warnings against its excessive use. The Bible calls for moderation, self-control, and a focus on spiritual fulfillment over physical indulgence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences. When Then My Mother had Once, as She was Wont in Afric... 1 Timothy iv. 3-Jan She, on the Prohibition of Ambrose, Abstains from Honouring the ... The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness Letter xxix. (AD 395. ) Letter cvii. To Laeta. Letter xxxvi. (AD 396. ) The General Conference of 1832 The Seventh Commandment 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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