In the biblical context, the concept of happiness derived from wickedness, particularly through drunkenness, is addressed with caution and warning. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the fleeting and deceptive nature of such happiness, emphasizing the moral and spiritual dangers associated with it.

Biblical References and Warnings

The Bible frequently associates drunkenness with folly and moral decay. In Proverbs 20:1 , it is written, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This verse highlights the deceptive nature of alcohol, suggesting that those who indulge in it to the point of drunkenness are led away from wisdom and righteousness.

Isaiah 5:11-12 further elaborates on the consequences of pursuing happiness through drunkenness: "Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. They have harps and lyres at their banquets, tambourines and flutes and wine, but they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD, no respect for the work of his hands." Here, the prophet Isaiah condemns those who prioritize revelry and intoxication over the reverence and worship of God, indicating a spiritual blindness that accompanies such behavior.

The Deceptive Nature of Drunken Happiness

The temporary pleasure derived from drunkenness is often portrayed as a counterfeit form of happiness. In Ecclesiastes 7:4 , Solomon observes, "The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure." This contrast underscores the superficiality of the joy found in drunkenness, which is ultimately unfulfilling and leads to folly.

The New Testament also addresses the issue, with the Apostle Paul admonishing believers in Ephesians 5:18 , "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Paul contrasts the reckless abandon associated with drunkenness with the true fulfillment and joy that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit, suggesting that spiritual joy far surpasses the fleeting happiness of the wicked.

Consequences and Spiritual Implications

The pursuit of happiness through drunkenness is not only portrayed as foolish but also as having dire consequences. In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists drunkenness among the "acts of the flesh" and warns that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This stark warning serves as a reminder of the spiritual peril that accompanies a lifestyle characterized by indulgence in alcohol and other vices.

Furthermore, the account of Noah in Genesis 9:20-21 illustrates the personal and familial consequences of drunkenness. After the flood, Noah becomes drunk and lies uncovered in his tent, leading to a series of events that bring shame and discord to his family. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerability and loss of dignity that can result from drunkenness.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently portrays the happiness of the wicked, particularly through drunkenness, as a deceptive and dangerous pursuit. While it may offer temporary pleasure, it ultimately leads to folly, spiritual blindness, and separation from God. Believers are encouraged to seek true joy and fulfillment through a relationship with God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, rather than through the fleeting and destructive pleasures of the world.Isaiah 5:11
Woe to them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 56:12
Come you, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.
Nave's Topical Index

The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness
... Sixth reason against the sin of drunkenness; it absolutely unfits a ... glories of his
kingdom, is such an unspeakable happiness, that even wicked men, though ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the heinous sin of drunkenness.htm

Peace
... is not from the knowledge of his happiness, but the ... the imagination of mine heart,
to add drunkenness to thirst ... The wicked are loose and vain, and yet thank God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 peace.htm

Man.
... that lives in sin and hopes for happiness hereafter, is ... so great a breach did this
drunkenness make upon ... Usually in wicked families, some one or two are more ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/iv man.htm

The Church is not to be Blamed for the Conduct of Bad Christians ...
... between strength and inflatedness, between happiness and wretchedness ... give to their
gluttony and drunkenness the name ... daily to correct them as wicked children. ...
/.../chapter 34 name church is.htm

God Willing that all Men Should be Saved.
... of pardon and peace, of life and happiness to all ... those whom he sends "to warn the
wicked from their ... the imagination of our hearts, to add drunkenness to thirst ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xvii god willing that.htm

"So Then they that are in the Flesh Cannot Please God. "
... the being and well-being, the happiness and misery ... dispensation, cursing and swearing,
lying, drunkenness, anger, malice ... Many wicked persons are set contrary to ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxii so then they.htm

The Answer to the Objection Raised.
... are gained; viz., murder, fornication, adultery, drunkenness, thefts and ... complain
of the loss not of happiness but of ... I am," but "Impure," or "Wicked man that ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xv the answer to.htm

Tenth Commandment
... the Bible against covetousness than against either stealing or drunkenness. ... twenty
years spent in that wicked city, he ... to sell out peace and happiness for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm

Moral Insanity.
... man makes himself temporarily insane, as by drunkenness, the courts ... But, in moral
questions, wicked men seem to take ... The pursuit of happiness in sin is as if a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/ix moral insanity.htm

From the Fourth to the Seventh Commandment
... because if our parents or superiors, being wicked, bid us ... wished her to have all
the happiness and glory ... Commandment, for besides his sin of drunkenness, he is ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 33 from the fourth.htm

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