Alcohol is not forbidden
The Bible speaks about wine in more than one way. It can be associated with celebration and God’s provision, and Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:9). Paul also advised Timothy to use a little wine in connection with his physical health (1 Timothy 5:23). These passages show that the Bible does not treat every use of alcohol as sinful.
At the same time, biblical permission is not the same as a command. A Christian does not need to drink in order to be joyful, hospitable, or spiritually mature. Choosing not to drink can be a faithful and wise choice, just as choosing to drink moderately may be a matter of personal freedom for some believers.
Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
Drunkenness is clearly warned against
Scripture consistently warns about becoming drunk. Drunkenness can cloud judgement, weaken self-control, damage relationships, and open the door to harmful behaviour. Proverbs portrays alcohol as deceptive when it takes hold of a person, rather than being handled with wisdom (Proverbs 20:1).
Paul contrasts being controlled by wine with being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). The issue is not only how much a person drinks, but what is controlling their heart, decisions, and actions. Christians are called to live alertly and with self-control.
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Freedom should be guided by love
The New Testament teaches that not everything permitted is helpful or beneficial (1 Corinthians 6:12). This gives a helpful principle for alcohol. A person may ask: Is this leading me towards wise, loving, self-controlled living? Is it becoming something I rely on or cannot easily refuse?
Love for other people also matters. Paul teaches that believers should avoid choices that might wound another person’s conscience or encourage them towards something harmful (Romans 14:21). For example, someone may abstain around a friend who is recovering from alcohol dependence, or in a setting where drinking could create pressure or risk.
A wise and honest response
There is no single rule about alcohol that applies in exactly the same way to every Christian. Some Christians drink moderately with gratitude and care. Others abstain because of family history, medical concerns, recovery, cultural setting, conscience, or a desire to serve others well. Both approaches can honour God when they flow from faith, wisdom, and love rather than judgement of others.
If alcohol has become difficult to control, bringing that struggle into the light is a courageous step, not a reason for shame. Consider speaking with a trusted friend, pastor, doctor, counsellor, or recovery service. Scripture calls believers to support one another and to carry one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.