Biblical Answer

The Bible's Teaching on Social Drinking

The Bible does not explicitly forbid social drinking, but it does warn of the dangers of excessive drinking. In Romans 14:13, the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of another" (ESV). He is emphasizing the importance of not doing anything that would hurt or destroy another Christian (Rom 14:15; 1 Cor 8:9-13). This principle is also seen in 1 Corinthians 10:23, where Paul writes, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything" (ESV).

The Bible also teaches that Christians should not use their freedom to drink as an excuse to become a stumbling block to others. In Romans 14:21, Paul writes, "It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles" (ESV). This means that if a Christian's drinking could lead another Christian to sin or stumble, they should refrain from drinking in their presence. This principle is not a law, but rather a guideline to help Christians live in harmony with one another.

Ultimately, the Bible teaches that Christians should use their freedom to drink responsibly and not in a way that would lead others to sin. In 1 Corinthians 6:10, the Apostle Paul writes, "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God" (ESV). This verse warns against the dangers of excessive drinking and encourages Christians to live a life of self-control and responsibility.