The Sin of Drunkenness

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1 KJV)

Certainly, one of the most powerful tools ever used by Satan to deceive mankind and separate them from fellowship with God is alcoholic drinks! Unlike some drugs (which are also sinful), the sin of drinking alcohol is something that has plagued mankind for many, many centuries. There have been many lives that have been destroyed by the effects of alcohol. Those who have spent years drinking alcohol have witnessed firsthand the effects alcohol has on the body. Some who spend less time drinking alcohol witness the dangers of drinking also, and some that have never drank a single drop become victims of the dangerous drink, as many have been killed by drunk drivers or spouses and children of those that drink fall victim to abuse from the family member that is a drunkard. Many will contest that drinking alcohol and being a drunkard is a sickness that must be treated with care like any other sickness, and that we should not judge one who has fallen prey to this sickness, but let’s no longer be deceived and acknowledge drinking alcohol as it really is and that is it is a SIN.

When discussing the drinking of alcohol many will begin to say that the Bible speaks of those that drink wine or may even reference when Jesus turned water into wine (John 2). It is true that the Bible discusses the drinking of wine, and Jesus did turn water into wine, but does the Bible approve of the drinking of alcoholic drink? Not for one second! When discussing the word “wine” context is critical. There are two types of wine in Scripture. First there is “new wine” which is the juice of the fruit when it is freshly squeezed and has had nothing to corrupt it from its original state (no fermentation) (Matt. 9:17; Proverbs 3:9-10; Isa. 65:8; Jer. 48:33). Then there is “old wine “which is the juice that has been pressed from the fruit and has had leaven (yeast) added to it making the juice an intoxicating alcoholic beverage. It is this type of wine that is prohibited from consumption in Scripture.

Now that we have established the two different uses of the word “wine,” let’s look at the commands within Scripture that clearly prohibit the drinking of intoxicating drink. Proverbs 20:1 warns us that the use of “wine” which is a mocker and “strong drink” is “raging.” Alcoholic beverage has caused many to be mocked as the senses are numbed and a person’s ability to control their actions are weakened by alcohol. Strong drink has proven to cause one to be in a state of rage. There have been many, many cases of domestic violence that has taken place because of alcoholic drink. Drunkenness is among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), and those who are guilty of these sins will “not inherit the kingdom of God.” Unrighteous people will not be able to enter into heaven and among those that God considers “unrighteous” are those that are “drunkards” (1 Cor. 6:9-10). The Christian is to be filled with the Spirit and not be “drunk with wine” (Eph. 5:18). The interesting thing about the original Greek word translated “drunk” (methusko) is that it “marks the beginning process of getting drunk” (as defined by Thayer’s lexicon) which would prohibit the drinking of alcohol in any amount. Studies have confirmed that the effects of alcohol begin immediately when it enters into the body. Some have stated that if a person becomes drunk by drinking six drinks, then after the first drink they are one-sixth drunk.

Alcohol has terrible effects on the human body. Everyone is aware of the intoxication that takes place when one drinks alcohol. Many are aware of the mood-altering effects a person experiences, and although the one that is drunk may enjoy these effects, it is not enjoyable for those around them. Commercials like to depict the drinking of alcohol something that is pleasurable for all involved, but what the commercials do not show is the time that is spent in jails because of crimes committed by intoxicated people, the funeral homes as loved ones grieve the loss of one who was killed by a drunk driver, or maybe the hospital rooms filled by those that have abused alcohol and have one of the many forms of cancer caused by exposure to alcohol or broken homes due to the effects of alcohol.

Wine is a mocker: “Wine deceives a man; it not only overcomes him before he is aware, but it promises him a pleasure which it does not give; but, on the contrary, excessive drinking gives him pain, and so mocks him; yea, it exposes him to reproach and disgrace, and to the mockery and derision of others; as well as it sets him to scoff at his companions, and even to mock at religion, and all that is good and serious”- John Gill

Do not be deceived by Satan. Alcohol consumption, in any amounts, is sinful, dangerous, and harmful.