Topical Encyclopedia The Bible contains numerous admonitions against the misuse of wine, emphasizing the potential for moral and spiritual downfall associated with excessive consumption. While wine is often depicted as a symbol of joy and blessing, Scripture also provides clear warnings about its dangers.Proverbs and Wisdom Literature The Book of Proverbs offers several warnings about the perils of wine. Proverbs 20:1 (BSB) states, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This verse highlights the deceptive nature of wine, suggesting that it can lead individuals away from wisdom and sound judgment. Proverbs 23:29-35 provides a vivid description of the consequences of overindulgence: "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. 'They struck me,' you will say, 'but I am not hurt! They beat me, but I do not feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?'" This passage warns of the physical and mental impairments caused by excessive drinking, likening its effects to a venomous bite. Prophetic Warnings The prophets also caution against the misuse of wine. Isaiah 5:11-12 (BSB) warns, "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 indulgence over reverence for God, illustrating how wine can lead to spiritual neglect. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, the apostle Paul provides guidance on the use of wine, particularly for leaders within the church. In 1 Timothy 3:2-3 (BSB), Paul instructs, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money." This directive underscores the importance of sobriety and self-control, especially for those in positions of spiritual authority. Similarly, in Ephesians 5:18 (BSB), Paul advises, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This verse contrasts the effects of wine with the filling of the Holy Spirit, suggesting that spiritual fulfillment should take precedence over physical indulgence. Historical Context and Cultural Considerations In biblical times, wine was a common beverage, often consumed as part of daily life and religious ceremonies. However, the admonitions against its misuse reflect a broader concern for maintaining moral integrity and spiritual focus. The cultural context of wine consumption in the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world often involved social gatherings where excess could lead to moral compromise. Conclusion The Bible's admonitions against the use of wine serve as a cautionary reminder of the potential for excess to lead individuals away from a life of wisdom, self-control, and spiritual devotion. These warnings encourage believers to exercise discernment and moderation, prioritizing their relationship with God above all else. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 10:9Do not drink wine nor strong drink, you, nor your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest you die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: Nave's Topical Index Numbers 6:3 Judges 13:4 Proverbs 20:1 Proverbs 21:17 Proverbs 23:29-32 Proverbs 31:4,5 Isaiah 5:11,22 Isaiah 24:9 Isaiah 28:1,3,7 Jeremiah 23:9 Jeremiah 35:2-10,14,18,19 Ezekiel 44:21 Hosea 4:11 Luke 1:15 Romans 14:21 Ephesians 5:18 Titus 2:3 Library De Decretis or Defence of the Nicene Definition The Five Books Against Marcion God's Barriers against Man's Sin Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ... the Use of Humiliation Perseverance The Testament of Reuben Concerning Thoughts. The Blessing of God on Filial Piety. On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ... Twentieth Sunday after Trinity the Careful Walk of the Christian. Resources What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is consubstantiation? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus choose the wedding at Cana for His first miracle? | GotQuestions.org Wine: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wine in Excess: Impairs the Health Wine in Excess: Impairs the Judgment and Memory Wine in Excess: Inflames the Passions Wine in Excess: Infuriates the Temper Wine in Excess: Leads to Remorse Wine in Excess: Leads to Sorrow and Contention Wine in Times of Scarcity, Was Mixed With Water Wine of the Abominations of the Apostasy Wine of the Blessing of the Gospel Wine of the Joys of Spiritual Matters Wine of the Wrath and Judgments of God Wine Press of the Judgments of God Wine Press: General Scriptures Concerning Wine Press: Treading The, of the Sufferings of Christ Wine Press: Trodden With Joy and Shouting Wine was Made of The Juice of the Grape Wine was Made of The Juice of the Pomegranate Wine was Used for Drink offerings in Idolatrous Worship Wine was Used for Drink offerings in the Worship of God Wine was Used: As a Beverage from the Earliest Age Wine was Used: At all Feasts and Entertainments Wine with Corn and Oil, Denoted all Temporal Blessings Wine: Abstinence from of Daniel Wine: Abstinence from of the Courtiers of Ahasuerus Wine: Abstinence from of Timothy Wine: Admonitions Against the Use of Wine: An Article of Extensive Commerce Wine: Cheap Wine (Like Vinegar) Given to Jesus at the Crucifixion Wine: Consequence of Putting (When New), Into Old Bottles Wine: Custom of Giving to Persons in Pain or Suffering, Mixed With Wine: Custom of Presenting to Travellers Wine: First Fruits of, to be offered to God Wine: First Mode of Making, Notice Wine: Forbidden to Nazarites During Their Separation Wine: Forbidden to Priests While on Duty Wine: Forbidden to the Priests While Engaged in the Tabernacle Wine: Generally Made by Treading the Grapes in a Press Wine: Given by Melchizedek to Abraham Wine: Given in Abundance to the Jews when Obedient Wine: Intoxication from the Use of Wine: Intoxication From: Ahasuerus Wine: Intoxication From: Amnon Wine: Intoxication From: Falsely Charged Against the Disciples Wine: Intoxication From: Joseph and his Brothers Wine: Intoxication From: Kings of Israel Wine: Intoxication From: Nabal Wine: Made by Jesus at the Marriage Feast in Cana Wine: Often Spiced to Increase Its Strength Wine: Places Celebrated For: Assyria Wine: Places Celebrated For: Canaan in General Wine: Places Celebrated For: Helbon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Lebanon Wine: Places Celebrated For: Moab Wine: Places Celebrated For: Possessions of Judah Wine: Recommended by Paul to Timothy Wine: Samson's Mother Forbidden to Drink Wine: Sometimes Mixed With Milk As a Beverage Wine: Sweet, Esteemed for Flavour and Strength Wine: Symbolical of the Blood of Jesus Wine: The Jews Frequently Deprived of, As a Punishment Wine: The Jews Frequently Drank, to Excess Wine: The Love of Christ to be Preferred To Wine: The Rechabites Never Drank Wine: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Wine: Water Miraculously Turned Into Related Terms |