By Betty Miller
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs 20:1 (KJV)
The Bible has much to say about many subjects; and
drinking alcoholic beverages is one of them. There is a debate in
religious circles in regard to the question – was the wine in the Bible
referring to grape juice or fermented grape juice, which is alcoholic in
nature? To answer this question we must study the original language in
which the Bible was written.
Actually, there are fifteen words from the Hebrew and
Greek languages, which are translated “wine” in the Bible. When we
compare these words in the context in which they are used, we can better
understanding their scriptural meanings.
The first scripture in which wine is mentioned is found in the book of Genesis. The Hebrew word used there is “yayin.” It always means fermented wine, primarily from grapes. Genesis 9:20-21 says, “And
Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank
of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.” Noah
could not have become drunk by drinking grape juice, so we must assume
he drank an alcoholic beverage made from the grapes of his vineyard.
The New Testament word translated wine is usually the
Greek word “oinos.” We also find in the New Testament, the account of
Jesus performing his first miracle which was turning water into
wine. You can read the entire account of this miracle in John 2:1-11:
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. John 2:9-10
Notice in verse 10 the comment that men
usually served the good wine first and kept the wine that was not as
good to be served lastly so that its quality was not noticed. This had
to be a reference to fermented wine, as the alcoholic content of the
wine would be more inclined to cause them not to notice bad wine later
in the evening after they had a few drinks.
There are many other references to wine throughout the
Bible showing that it is actually an alcoholic drink. Now with this
scriptural evidence, comes the next question. Is it sinful to drink
wine? The answer to this question is that the wine itself is not sinful,
because sin is in the heart of man and does not exist in any object of
itself. It is the drunkenness and intoxication that comes about when a
man drinks too much that causes him sin. The Bible teaches discipline
and moderation; even eating too much food is a sin and is called the sin
of gluttony in the Bible.
The scripture in Proverbs 20:1 warns us
what wine and strong drink can do to a man. Men can end up raging and
brawling and doing things in a drunken stupor that are very unwise and
that they will also regret. How many times have we heard the expression
when someone talks unwisely after drinking too much? — “That was the
alcohol talking.” The Bible does make a distinction, as to the affect
that strong drinks (alcoholic beverages like whiskey, vodka, etc.) have
on a person, as opposed to wine, showing that the strong alcoholic
drinks are far worse at causing men to become out of their heads and
violent. The wine is bad enough, as it can cause men to loose their
senses and mock others. People will also mock them for their out of
control inebriation.
So what should our position be as Christians since we
know the many sorrows that drunkenness causes? We know that alcoholism
is responsible for many broken homes because of the abusive behavior
toward family and others. We know the many deaths on our highways caused
by drinking and driving. What about the many premature deaths caused by
health problems stemming from alcoholism? Alcoholism has now become a
costly drug addiction problem. Yes, drunkenness is a very evil sin that
hurts the whole nation. The Bible says all drunkards who do not repent
will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Although, a Christian may be free to drink moderately as
long as they do not become drunk, is that the highest thing we should
do? Paul stated in the New Testament that he would not allow his liberty
to be a license to sin, nor would he do anything that would cause a
brother to stumble.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. Galatians 5:13
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9
In the Old Testament, there was a group of people known
as Nazarites that took a vow to separate themselves unto the Lord and
therefore they would not drink any wine or alcoholic beverages.
And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the LORD: He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried. Numbers 6:2-3
We must all give an account of ourselves before our
Lord. What would please Him? Would it not be pleasing to Him if we loved
others enough to give up those things we could have, for a greater
cause? Would it not be a more powerful witness to others in our age to
stand out as one who did not drink alcoholic beverages because we had no
need to do so. When we are filled with the Spirit of God, His spirit
gives us the joy and release that many are seeking by drinking. May we
instead desire to be filled with the Holy Spirit and have no need for
“spirits.”
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the liberty we have in Christ. Help us not to judge one another in regard to the issue of drinking a little wine, but rather to be honest before You as to the issue in our own hearts in this regard. May we be a good witness before those in the world. When we make our choices in this life, may they be pleasing to You and show love to those around us. You told us the highest law is the law of love. We are first to love You, and then, to love one another. May we do this in word and deed. Keep us from temptation and sin and let our actions prove to the world that we are true Christians. Deliver those who are addicted to alcohol and who are in this snare of the devil. I ask this in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Ephesians 5:18-20
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