Lesson 43

Around the world, people have different opinions about alcohol. Some enjoy sharing an occasional drink with friends. Others choose not to drink at all. Still others drink to the point of getting drunk. What is the Bible’s view of alcohol?

The Bible does not condemn drinking alcohol. On the contrary, when listing many gifts that God has given us, the Bible includes “wine that makes man’s heart rejoice.” (Psalm 104:14, 15)

Some faithful men and women mentioned in the Bible drank alcoholic beverages.— 1 Timothy 5:23.

Jehovah condemns heavy drinking and drunkenness. (Galatians 5:21)

His Word says: “Do not be among those who drink too much wine.” (Proverbs 23:20)

So if we choose to drink—even in private—we should not drink so much that we cannot think clearly, control our speech and actions, or maintain our physical health. If we cannot control our drinking, we should be willing to stop drinking altogether.

Each person must decide whether to drink alcoholic beverages. We should not judge someone who chooses to drink alcohol in moderation, and we should not pressure someone to drink who does not want to. (Romans 14:10)

We choose not to drink if our drinking could cause problems for others.

Read Romans 14.21: It is best not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything over which your brother stumbles.

We seek “not [our] own advantage, but that of the other person.”

Read 1 Corinthians 10.23, 24: All things are lawful, but not all things are advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.

Consider Bible principles that will help you decide whether to drink and how much to drink if you do so. Also find out what you can do if you struggle with a drinking problem.

How did Jesus view drinking alcohol? To learn the answer, consider the first miracle that he performed.

Read John 2.1-11: And on the third day a marriage feast took place in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the marriage feast. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him: “They have no wine.” But Jesus said to her: “Woman, why is that of concern to me and to you? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to those serving: “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars sitting there as required by the purification rules of the Jews, each able to hold two or three liquid measures. Jesus said to them: “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he said to them: “Now draw some out and take it to the director of the feast.” So they took it. When the director of the feast tasted the water that had now been turned into wine, not knowing where it came from (although the servants who had drawn out the water knew), the director of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him: “Everyone else puts out the fine wine first, and when people are intoxicated, the inferior. You have saved the fine wine until now.” Jesus did this in Cana of Galilee as the beginning of his signs, and he made his glory manifest, and his disciples put their faith in him.

Discuss these questions:

From this miracle, what can we learn about Jesus’ view of alcohol and those who drink it?

Since Jesus did not condemn drinking alcohol, how should a Christian view someone who chooses to drink?

However, just because a Christian is free to drink alcohol, this does not mean that it is always wise for him to do so.

Read Proverbs 22.3: The shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences.

Consider how the following factors might influence whether you will drink:

You are going to drive or operate machinery.

You are pregnant.

A doctor has advised you not to drink alcohol.

You have trouble controlling the amount you drink.

The law does not allow you to drink alcohol.

You are with someone who chooses to abstain because he has had trouble controlling his drinking in the past.

Should you serve alcohol at wedding receptions or other social gatherings? To see what can help you decide, play the VIDEO.