Drunkenness
Drunkenness is the sinful state of becoming intoxicated by alcohol and losing proper self-control. Scripture consistently warns against it and contrasts it with sober, wise living.
At a Glance
Drunkenness is the sinful state of becoming intoxicated by alcohol and losing proper self-control. Scripture consistently warns against it and contrasts it with sober, wise living.
Description
Drunkenness in Scripture is the misuse of alcohol that leads to intoxication, weakened judgment, and loss of self-control. The Bible distinguishes this from all lawful use of wine or strong drink, yet it repeatedly and plainly condemns drunkenness itself as sinful. It is associated with folly, shame, violence, sexual sin, poverty, and spiritual carelessness, and it is incompatible with the sober-mindedness expected of God’s people. The biblical emphasis is not merely on outward excess but on the heart and conduct that surrender self-control rather than walking in wisdom and under the Spirit’s rule. A careful evangelical definition should therefore state clearly that drunkenness is sin, while avoiding claims that Scripture universally forbids every use of alcohol.