What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol and Drinking?

The Bible is neither a prohibition tract nor a license for excess. Wine appears at the wedding of Cana (where Jesus made it), at the Lord's Supper, and throughout the Psalms. But drunkenness is consistently condemned as incompatible with the Spirit-filled life. Below are 7 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.

What does the Bible say about alcohol and drinking??

What does the Bible say about alcohol? Scripture neither commands total abstinence nor permits drunkenness. Wine appears throughout both Testaments — with clear warnings against excess and encouragement for sobriety.

7 Bible Verses About Alcohol and drinking? (KJV)

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

Proverbs 20:1 KJV Read Proverbs chapter 20 →

“Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.”

Proverbs 23:31 KJV Read Proverbs chapter 23 →

“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”

Ephesians 5:18 KJV Read Ephesians chapter 5 →

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”

Romans 13:13 KJV Read Romans chapter 13 →

“Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

1 Corinthians 6:10 KJV Read 1 Corinthians chapter 6 →

“Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;”

1 Timothy 3:3 KJV Read 1 Timothy chapter 3 →

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”

1 Peter 5:8 KJV — The Prayer of Faith Shall Save the Sick Read 1 Peter chapter 5 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol and drinking? in the Bible

What does the Bible say about alcohol and drinking??
The Bible is neither a prohibition tract nor a license for excess. Wine appears at the wedding of Cana (where Jesus made it), at the Lord's Supper, and throughout the Psalms. But drunkenness is consistently condemned as incompatible with the Spirit-filled life. Key KJV passages: Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:31, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 6:10.
What are the best Bible verses about alcohol and drinking??
The most important KJV passages on alcohol and drinking? include: Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:31, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 6:10. Read all 7 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about alcohol and drinking??
The Bible addresses alcohol and drinking? throughout both Testaments. Key references include Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:31, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 6:10, 1 Timothy 3:3, 1 Peter 5:8. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.org.
What does the New Testament say about alcohol and drinking??
New Testament scriptures on alcohol and drinking?: Ephesians 5:18, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 6:10, 1 Timothy 3:3. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
What does the Old Testament say about alcohol and drinking??
Old Testament scriptures on alcohol and drinking?: Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:31. See them in full context free at The Living Sword.
How do I study Bible verses about alcohol and drinking??
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 7 passages on alcohol and drinking? at thelivingsword.org — free, no account, no download required.

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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.