Is getting drunk a sin?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Yes, getting drunk is a sin. The Bible clearly teaches that getting drunk is a sin. The Old Testament warns about the destructive effects of drunkenness, describing how it leads to foolishness and loss of self-control (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29–35; Isaiah 5:11–12), and even lists it among rebellious behaviors deserving of severe consequences (Deuteronomy 21:20). In the New Testament, drunkenness is also condemned, with Christians being urged to avoid it and calling us to instead be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Alcohol can impair self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), and Christians are called to be led by the Spirit, not by substances. While moderate drinking may not be sinful, getting drunk is, and followers of Christ are encouraged to exercise self-control and avoid allowing alcohol to dominate their lives.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Bible tells us that getting drunk violates God's command, but we don’t just follow commands (Proverbs 20:1; 23:20, 29–32; Isaiah 5:22). We follow commands because they reflect what is good.
• Proverbs 20:1 warns against the deceptive nature of alcohol, highlighting how it can lead one away from wisdom and into foolishness.
• Proverbs 23:29–35 describes the destructive effects of drunkenness, including pain, sorrow, and a loss of self-control.
• Isaiah 5:11–12 condemns excessive drinking, particularly those who pursue it as a priority and neglect considering the work of God.
• In Deuteronomy 21:20, drunkenness is listed among the sinful behaviors that could lead to severe consequences for rebellious children.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Bible identifies drunkenness as behavior that is against God's wishes and plans for us (1 Corinthians 6:10).
• People who follow Jesus should not get drunk, practice immorality, or worldly thinking (Romans 6:1–6; Galatians 2:20; 1 John 2:15–17). Our love for our Savior should lead us to be more like Him (1 Peter 1:15).
• In Ephesians 5, we can read several comparisons of serving God and not serving God. Ephesians 5:18 says, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit." When we see the dichotomy between drinking and being filled with the Spirit, we have a choice to make.
• When we drink alcohol, we lose an increasing amount of self-control—and self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Though getting drunk is clearly prohibited in Scripture, many Christians also wonder about drinking alcohol in moderation. In the Bible, some who were set apart for service to God were instructed to totally abstain from alcohol (Judges 13:4; Luke 1:15). Levitical priests were not permitted to drink alcohol while serving in the tabernacle (Leviticus 10:8–11). In Proverbs 20:1 and 31:4, the writer warns about the effects of drinking. In other places, we see Christ-followers drinking alcohol. Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1–12). Paul told Timothy, "No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments" (1 Timothy 5:23). Many Christians abstain from alcohol; many others choose to drink in moderation—Romans 14 is a helpful guide for that discussion. What is clear, regardless of whether a believer chooses to drink alcohol in any amount, is that being controlled by alcohol or becoming drunk are not what God has in mind for His people.

UNDERSTAND

• Drunkenness is a sin.
• Drinking alcohol is not prohibited in the Bible, but drunkenness is.
• We are not to be consumed or mastered by alcohol, but rather by the Spirit.

REFLECT

• How does your relationship with alcohol reflect your desire to follow the Spirit rather than be controlled by substances?
• How can you exercise self-control to ensure that alcohol or any other substance does not dominate your life?
• What steps can you take to prioritize your spiritual well-being over worldly desires?

ENGAGE

• How do we support other believers in maintaining self-control and resisting the temptation to overindulge in alcohol?
• How does drinking affect our witness to the world?
• How can we differentiate between enjoying a drink in moderation and allowing alcohol to take control over our lives?