What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol
The Bible does not forbid alcohol outright - Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11), and wine is described as something that 'maketh glad the heart of man' (Psalm 104:15). What Scripture forbids is drunkenness: 'be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit' (Ephesians 5:18), and 'woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine' (Isaiah 5:22).
Leaders are held to an even higher standard of sobriety (1 Timothy 3:2-3). The consistent principle is moderation and self-control, not legalism - never letting a substance take the place that only the Spirit should hold, and never let it become a stumbling block to someone weaker in faith (Romans 14:21; 1 Corinthians 8:9).
From Bible Navigator's study library. Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (public domain). This is encouragement for study and reflection, not professional counseling - if you are in crisis, call or text 988.