The Law of Drinking
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The topic of drinking, particularly the consumption of alcoholic beverages, is addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. The Scriptures provide guidance on the use of wine and strong drink, emphasizing moderation, wisdom, and the avoidance of drunkenness.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, wine is often depicted as a symbol of joy and blessing. Psalm 104:14-15 states, "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart." Here, wine is seen as a gift from God, intended to bring gladness.

However, the Old Testament also warns against the dangers of excessive drinking. Proverbs 20:1 cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This verse highlights the potential for wine and strong drink to lead individuals away from wisdom and into folly.

The Nazarite vow, as described in Numbers 6:1-4 , includes abstaining from wine and strong drink as a sign of dedication to God. This vow illustrates the concept of setting oneself apart for holiness, which sometimes involves abstaining from certain practices, including drinking.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, the teachings on drinking continue to emphasize moderation and self-control. Ephesians 5:18 instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This passage contrasts the effects of drunkenness with the filling of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to seek spiritual fulfillment rather than indulgence in alcohol.

The Apostle Paul advises Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:23 , "Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent ailments." This advice suggests that wine can have medicinal benefits, indicating that its use is not inherently sinful but should be approached with discernment.

Cultural and Historical Considerations

In biblical times, wine was a common beverage, often consumed with meals. The process of fermentation was a natural means of preserving grape juice, and the alcohol content was typically lower than that of modern alcoholic beverages. The cultural context of wine consumption in biblical times differs from contemporary practices, which should be considered when interpreting scriptural teachings on drinking.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible consistently warns against drunkenness and its associated behaviors. Galatians 5:19-21 lists drunkenness among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the life led by the Spirit. Believers are called to exercise self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and to avoid any behavior that might lead themselves or others into sin.

Furthermore, Romans 14:21 advises, "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble." This principle of love and consideration for others underscores the importance of being mindful of how one's actions, including drinking, may affect fellow believers.

Conclusion

The biblical perspective on drinking is one of balance and caution. While wine is acknowledged as a gift from God, its misuse is clearly condemned. Believers are encouraged to practice moderation, exercise wisdom, and prioritize their spiritual well-being and the well-being of others in their approach to drinking.
Subtopics

Constitution: Agreement Between the Ruler and People

Law

Law Enforcement

Law in the New Testament

Law in the Old Testament

Law of Moses

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) in Synagogues

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Divine Authority For

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Engraved on Stone

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Epitomized by Jesus

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): from City to City

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Given at Sinai

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): On Door Posts

Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Renewed by Moses

Law: Book of, Found by Hilkiah in the Temple

Law: Curses of, Responsively Read by Levites and People at Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim

Law: Engraved Upon Monuments

Law: Expounded to the Assembled Nation at the Feast of Tabernacles in the Sabbatic Year

Law: Formed a Constitution on Which the Civil Government of the Israelites Was Founded

Law: Found by Hilkiah in the House of the Lord

Law: General Scriptures Concerning

Law: On Frontlets for the Forehead, and Parchment for the Hand

Law: Preserved in the Ark of the Covenant

Law: Princes, Priests, and Levites Publicly Taught

Law: Prophecies In, of the Messiah

Law: Received by the Disposition of Angels

Law: Temporary

Law: The Priests and Levites

Law: was Given Because of Transgressions Until the Messiah Arrived

Litigation: To be Avoided

The Law of God is Absolute and Perpetual

The Law of God is the Rule of Life to Saints

The Law of God is the Rule of the Judgment

The Law of God: All Men Have Transgressed

The Law of God: Blessedness of Keeping

The Law of God: Christ: Came to Fulfil

The Law of God: Christ: Explained

The Law of God: Christ: Magnified

The Law of God: Conscience Testifies To

The Law of God: Designed to Lead to Christ

The Law of God: Established by Faith

The Law of God: Exceeding Broad

The Law of God: Given: Through Moses

The Law of God: Given: Through the Ministration of Angels

The Law of God: Given: To Adam

The Law of God: Given: To Noah

The Law of God: Given: To the Israelites

The Law of God: Gives the Knowledge of Sin

The Law of God: Holy, Just, and Good

The Law of God: It is Man's Duty to Keep

The Law of God: Love is the Fulfilling of

The Law of God: Man Cannot be Justified By

The Law of God: Man Cannot Render Perfect Obedience To

The Law of God: Man, by Nature, not in Subjection To

The Law of God: Not Grievous

The Law of God: Obedience to a Characteristic of Saints

The Law of God: Obedience to a Test of Love

The Law of God: Obedience To of Prime Importance

The Law of God: Perfect

The Law of God: Punishment for Disobeying

The Law of God: Pure

The Law of God: Requires Obedience of the Heart

The Law of God: Requires Perfect Obedience

The Law of God: Saints: Delight In

The Law of God: Saints: Freed from the Bondage of

The Law of God: Saints: Freed from the Curse of

The Law of God: Saints: Have, Written on Their Hearts

The Law of God: Saints: Keep

The Law of God: Saints: Lament Over the Violation of, by Others

The Law of God: Saints: Love

The Law of God: Saints: Pledge Themselves to Walk In

The Law of God: Saints: Pray for Power to Keep

The Law of God: Saints: Pray to Understand

The Law of God: Saints: Prepare Their Hearts to Seek

The Law of God: Saints: should Make the Subject of Their Conversation

The Law of God: Saints: should Remember

The Law of God: Sin is a Transgression of

The Law of God: Spiritual

The Law of God: The Love of, Produces Peace

The Law of God: The Wicked: Cast Away

The Law of God: The Wicked: Despise

The Law of God: The Wicked: Forget

The Law of God: The Wicked: Forsake

The Law of God: The Wicked: Refuse to Hear

The Law of God: The Wicked: Refuse to Walk In

The Law of God: To be Used Lawfully

The Law of God: Truth

The Law of God: Works Wrath

The Law of Moses is the Law of God

The Law of Moses was a Burdensome Yoke

The Law of Moses was not the Manifestation of the Grace of God

The Law of Moses: A Means of National Reformation

The Law of Moses: A Schoolmaster to Lead to Christ

The Law of Moses: A Shadow of Good Things to Come

The Law of Moses: Additions Made To, in the Plains of Moab by Jordan

The Law of Moses: All Israelites Required: To Know

The Law of Moses: All Israelites Required: To Lay Up, in Their Hearts

The Law of Moses: All Israelites Required: To Observe

The Law of Moses: All Israelites Required: To Remember

The Law of Moses: All Israelites Required: To Teach Their Children

The Law of Moses: Book of, Laid up in the Sanctuary

The Law of Moses: Called: A Fiery Law

The Law of Moses: Called: Book of Moses

The Law of Moses: Called: Book of the Law

The Law of Moses: Called: Lively Oracles

The Law of Moses: Called: Ministration of Condemnation

The Law of Moses: Called: Ministration of Death

The Law of Moses: Called: Royal Law

The Law of Moses: Called: Word Spoken by Angels

The Law of Moses: Christ: Abrogated, As a Covenant of Works

The Law of Moses: Christ: Attended all Feasts of

The Law of Moses: Christ: Bore the Curse of

The Law of Moses: Christ: Came not to Destroy But to Fulfil

The Law of Moses: Christ: Circumcised According To

The Law of Moses: Christ: Fulfilled all Precepts of

The Law of Moses: Christ: Fulfilled all Types and Shadows of

The Law of Moses: Christ: Made Under

The Law of Moses: Christ: Magnified and Made Honorable

The Law of Moses: Could not Disannul the Covenant of Grace Made in Christ

The Law of Moses: Could not Give Righteous and Life

The Law of Moses: Darkness at Giving of, Illustrative of Obscurity of

The Law of Moses: Divided Into: A Covenant of Works to the Jews As a Nation

The Law of Moses: Divided Into: Ceremonial, Relating to Manner of Worshipping God

The Law of Moses: Divided Into: Civil, Relating to Administration of Justice

The Law of Moses: Divided Into: Moral, Embodied in the Ten Commandments

The Law of Moses: Entire of, Written in a Book

The Law of Moses: Given by Disposition of Angels

The Law of Moses: Given in the Desert

The Law of Moses: Given: After the Exodus

The Law of Moses: Given: At Horeb

The Law of Moses: Given: from the Mount Sinai

The Law of Moses: Given: Through Moses As Mediator

The Law of Moses: Given: To No Other Nation

The Law of Moses: Given: To the Jews

The Law of Moses: Good Kings Enforced

The Law of Moses: Jewish Converts Would Have all Christians Observe

The Law of Moses: Kings to Write and Study

The Law of Moses: None to Approach the Mount While God Gave

The Law of Moses: Priests and Levites to Teach

The Law of Moses: Public Instruction Given to Youth In

The Law of Moses: Publicly Read by Ezra

The Law of Moses: Publicly Read by Joshua

The Law of Moses: Publicly Read in the Synagogues Every Sabbath Day

The Law of Moses: Publicly Read: At the Feast of Tabernacles in the Sabbatical Year

The Law of Moses: Rehearsed by Moses

The Law of Moses: Remarkable Phenomena Connected With, at Giving of

The Law of Moses: Tables of, Laid up in the Ark

The Law of Moses: Taught the Jews: All Punishments Awarded According To

The Law of Moses: Taught the Jews: Strict Justice and Impartiality

The Law of Moses: Taught the Jews: To Love and Fear God

The Law of Moses: Taught the Jews: To Love Their Neighbour

The Law of Moses: Terror of Israel at Receiving

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Accused Christ of Breaking

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Accused Christians of Speaking

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Broke It Themselves

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Dishonoured God by Breaking

The Law of Moses: The Jews: from Regard To, Rejected Christ

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Held Those Ignorant of, Accursed

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Jealous For

The Law of Moses: The Jews: Shall be Judged By

The Law of Moses: The Scribes Were Learned In, and Expounded

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The (669438 Occurrences)

Oak-the (1 Occurrence)

Saying'the (1 Occurrence)

Jok'the-el (1 Occurrence)

The-oph'ilus (2 Occurrences)

The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence)

Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)

Kohathite (18 Occurrences)

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)

Zin (9 Occurrences)

Zarephath (4 Occurrences)

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)

Vintage (14 Occurrences)

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Knives (12 Occurrences)

Zidonians (11 Occurrences)

Kareah (14 Occurrences)

Vegetation (18 Occurrences)

Kanah (3 Occurrences)

Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)

Vicinity (18 Occurrences)

Zeboim (7 Occurrences)

Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences)

Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)

Volition

Kol

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Vashti (10 Occurrences)

Zabdi (17 Occurrences)

Knitted (9 Occurrences)

Kids (12 Occurrences)

Killeth (23 Occurrences)

Vial (12 Occurrences)

Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)

Home-born (14 Occurrences)

Kingship (17 Occurrences)

Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)

Zealot (4 Occurrences)

Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Victorious (17 Occurrences)

Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)

Zenas (1 Occurrence)

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

Zachariah (6 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Kerethites (9 Occurrences)

Zeeb (3 Occurrences)

Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)

Zarethan (4 Occurrences)

Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)

Knowledge

Knelt (20 Occurrences)

Visible (12 Occurrences)

Zeus (3 Occurrences)

Ziph (9 Occurrences)

Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)

Zorah (10 Occurrences)

Kenite (9 Occurrences)

Kick (8 Occurrences)

Kedar (11 Occurrences)

Zichri (12 Occurrences)

Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)

24000 (10 Occurrences)

Vapor (6 Occurrences)

Vanished (13 Occurrences)

Verdict (7 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Knop (4 Occurrences)

Visiting (10 Occurrences)

Zaphon (4 Occurrences)

Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)

Zaccur (10 Occurrences)

Koz (5 Occurrences)

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)

The Law of Commandments and Decrees
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