Topical Encyclopedia Wine, a common beverage in biblical times, is often mentioned in Scripture both as a symbol of blessing and as a potential source of moral and social pitfalls when consumed in excess. The Bible provides numerous warnings about the dangers of overindulgence in wine, highlighting its capacity to lead to sorrow, contention, and a departure from righteous living.Biblical Warnings Against Excessive Wine Consumption The Book of Proverbs offers several admonitions regarding the consumption 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 underscores the deceptive nature of wine, suggesting that it can lead individuals away from wisdom and into folly. Proverbs 23:29-35 provides a vivid depiction of the consequences of 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. 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. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. 'They struck me,' you will say, 'but I am not hurt! They beat me, but I do not feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?'" This passage illustrates the physical and psychological turmoil that can result from drunkenness, including strife, hallucinations, and a cycle of addiction. Wine and Social Discord The New Testament also addresses the issue of wine and its potential to cause social discord. In Ephesians 5:18 , the Apostle Paul advises, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Here, Paul contrasts the reckless behavior associated with drunkenness with the spiritual fulfillment found in a life led by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 6:10 , Paul includes drunkards in a list of those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, emphasizing the spiritual danger of habitual drunkenness: "nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor verbal abusers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God." Historical and Cultural Context In ancient Israel, wine was a staple of daily life and a symbol of joy and celebration. It was used in religious ceremonies and as a sign of God's blessing. However, the potential for abuse was well recognized, and the biblical authors frequently warned against the dangers of excessive consumption. The cultural context of the biblical world, where wine was often safer to drink than water, did not diminish the moral teachings against overindulgence. The biblical narrative consistently upholds moderation and self-control as virtues, warning that the lack thereof can lead to personal and communal strife. Conclusion The biblical perspective on wine is one of balance and caution. While wine itself is not condemned, its excessive consumption is consistently portrayed as a path to sorrow, contention, and spiritual peril. The Scriptures call believers to exercise wisdom and self-control, avoiding the pitfalls of drunkenness and instead seeking fulfillment in a life led by the Spirit. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 23:29,30Who has woe? who has sorrow? who has contentions? who has babbling? who has wounds without cause? who has redness of eyes? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Chapter ix Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Homilies on the Gospel of John. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. 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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