While the Bible doesn’t have an explicit verse condemning smoking (as tobacco didn’t exist in biblical times), it offers principles that strongly discourage both smoking and excessive drinking. Bible verses against these habits emphasize the importance of caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, maintaining self-control, and avoiding behaviors that are harmful or addictive.
These verses highlight the destructive potential of intoxication, its ability to cloud judgment, and its incompatibility with living a life of wisdom and Spirit-led clarity. They warn against being mastered by any substance, reminding us that true freedom is found in submitting ourselves to God.
As we delve into these verses, may those struggling with smoking or excessive drinking find guidance and strength to overcome these habits. May these words ignite a desire within us to honor our bodies, pursue healthy living, and prioritize our spiritual well-being over any substance’s temporary satisfaction.
Also Read: Notable Bible Verses About Habits (with Explanations)
Bible Verses Against Smoking and Drinking
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul emphasizes the sanctity of the believer’s body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. The commentary underscores the profound responsibility to honor God through the physical vessel entrusted to each individual.
This verse challenges believers to consider the impact of smoking and drinking on their bodies, recognizing that these actions can compromise the temple where the Holy Spirit resides. It calls for a lifestyle that reflects reverence for the divine dwelling within, promoting health and well-being.
Proverbs 20:1 (NIV)
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
Proverbs 20:1 provides a stark warning about the deceptive nature of alcohol. The commentary emphasizes the potential for mockery and strife associated with excessive drinking.
This verse challenges believers to exercise wisdom in their choices, recognizing the negative consequences that can result from the influence of alcohol. It promotes a lifestyle marked by prudence, steering clear of the pitfalls that accompany the misuse of substances like wine and beer.
Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In Galatians 5:19-21, the apostle Paul lists various sinful behaviors, including drunkenness, cautioning against a lifestyle characterized by such actions. The commentary emphasizes the serious consequences associated with engaging in activities like drinking to excess.
This verse challenges believers to align their conduct with the fruits of the Spirit, recognizing that a life marked by self-control and temperance reflects a commitment to the kingdom of God.
1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
In 1 Peter 5:8, believers are urged to be vigilant and of sober mind. The commentary underscores the connection between spiritual alertness and sobriety, cautioning against the impairment of judgment that can result from substance abuse.
This verse challenges believers to recognize the spiritual battle they are engaged in and to approach it with clear minds, avoiding the pitfalls that come with the influence of intoxicating substances.
Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
Ephesians 5:18 explicitly warns against the dangers of drunkenness and its correlation with debauchery. The commentary emphasizes the contrast between being under the influence of alcohol and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
This verse challenges believers to seek spiritual fullness rather than relying on substances for satisfaction. It promotes a lifestyle marked by the positive influence of the Spirit rather than the negative consequences associated with excessive drinking.
Proverbs 23:20-21 (NIV)
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.”
Proverbs 23:20-21 offers practical wisdom regarding the dangers of excessive drinking. The commentary underscores the potential for negative consequences, including financial ruin and physical deterioration.
This verse challenges believers to exercise self-discipline and moderation in their choices, recognizing that indulgence in substances can lead to detrimental outcomes. It promotes a lifestyle marked by temperance and wise stewardship of resources.
1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 (NIV)
“So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”
In 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8, Paul encourages believers to be awake and sober, aligning their lives with the qualities of faith, love, and hope. The commentary emphasizes the spiritual significance of sobriety and alertness, contrasting it with the darkness associated with drunkenness.
This verse challenges believers to embrace a lifestyle characterized by spiritual vigilance and a clear-minded focus on the virtues of the Christian faith, avoiding the pitfalls of substances that impair both physical and spiritual senses.
Romans 14:21 (NIV)
“It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.”
In Romans 14:21, the emphasis is on the consideration of others in one’s choices. The commentary underscores the principle of avoiding actions that may lead fellow believers into stumbling or temptation.
This verse challenges believers to prioritize love and concern for the spiritual welfare of others over personal liberties, recognizing that choices, including those related to drinking, can have a significant impact on the community of faith.
Titus 2:2-3 (NIV)
“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.”
Titus 2:2-3 offers instructions for both older men and women, emphasizing qualities such as temperance and self-control. The commentary underscores the importance of modeling a lifestyle marked by moderation and avoiding excessive consumption of substances like wine.
This verse challenges believers, especially those with influence, to embody virtues that reflect a commitment to faith, love, and endurance, promoting a positive example for others.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 provides a broad principle for all actions, including eating and drinking. The commentary emphasizes the overarching call to glorify God in every aspect of life, including choices related to substances.
This verse challenges believers to evaluate their actions in light of their impact on God’s glory, promoting a lifestyle that aligns with the overarching purpose of honoring and magnifying the name of the Lord.
Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-16 uses the metaphors of salt and light to describe the role of believers in the world. The commentary underscores the importance of maintaining the distinctiveness and purity of one’s influence, including choices related to substances.
This verse challenges believers to be intentional about their impact, promoting a lifestyle that radiates the light of Christ and enhances the flavor of the world, rather than diminishing it through compromised choices.
Isaiah 5:11 (NIV)
“Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine.”
Isaiah 5:11 issues a warning against those who indulge in excessive drinking, especially to the point of becoming inflamed with wine. The commentary emphasizes the negative consequences associated with habitual and unrestrained consumption.
This verse challenges believers to heed the cautionary tales found in Scripture, promoting a lifestyle marked by temperance and sobriety to avoid the woes associated with uncontrolled drinking.
Luke 21:34 (NIV)
“Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.”
In Luke 21:34, Jesus warns against allowing hearts to be weighed down by carousing, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life. The commentary underscores the spiritual and practical implications of such choices, cautioning believers against being unprepared for the sudden return of Christ.
This verse challenges believers to prioritize spiritual vigilance, promoting a lifestyle free from the entanglements of excess, including drinking, to ensure readiness for the coming of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 (NIV)
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.”
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 reinforces the concept of believers as temples of the Holy Spirit. The commentary emphasizes the sacredness of the individual and collective body of believers. This verse challenges believers to recognize the gravity of actions that harm the temple, including those related to substance abuse.
It calls for a commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the body, both individually and collectively, as a dwelling place for God’s Spirit.
Romans 13:13-14 (NIV)
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”
Romans 13:13-14 exhorts believers to live with decency, avoiding carousing, drunkenness, and other behaviors contrary to the Christian walk. The commentary emphasizes the call to clothe oneself with the character of Christ, rejecting the gratification of fleshly desires.
This verse challenges believers to actively pursue a transformed life, marked by the virtues of Christ and a deliberate avoidance of behaviors that hinder spiritual growth.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23 emphasizes the importance of guarding one’s heart, recognizing its influence on one’s actions. The commentary underscores the connection between heart condition and behavior, cautioning against allowing substances like alcohol to negatively impact the heart.
This verse challenges believers to maintain spiritual and emotional integrity, protecting their hearts from influences that could lead to destructive behaviors, including excessive drinking.
1 Peter 4:7 (NIV)
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.”
In 1 Peter 4:7, believers are urged to be alert and sober-minded in anticipation of the nearness of the end times. The commentary emphasizes the connection between spiritual alertness and sobriety, highlighting the need for clear-mindedness in the practice of prayer.
This verse challenges believers to maintain a state of sobriety that enhances their ability to engage in meaningful communion with God, fostering an environment conducive to spiritual sensitivity.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 delineates the fruit of the Spirit, with self-control being a central component. The commentary emphasizes the contrast between the fruit of the Spirit and behaviors associated with excessive drinking.
This verse challenges believers to prioritize the cultivation of spiritual virtues, promoting a lifestyle marked by the self-control that comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Colossians 2:8 (NIV)
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Colossians 2:8 warns against being captivated by deceptive philosophies that deviate from the teachings of Christ. The commentary underscores the danger of succumbing to cultural pressures, including those promoting excessive drinking.
This verse challenges believers to remain grounded in the truth of Christ, resisting influences that can lead to behaviors contrary to the principles of the Christian faith.
Proverbs 20:1 (NIV)
“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
Proverbs 20:1 reiterates the mockery and strife associated with wine and beer. The commentary emphasizes the call to wisdom, cautioning against being led astray by the influence of these substances.
This verse challenges believers to exercise discernment and prudence, choosing a path of wisdom that avoids the negative consequences tied to excessive drinking.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 assures believers that God provides a way out of every temptation. The commentary emphasizes the faithfulness of God and the promise of divine assistance in resisting the lure of excessive drinking.
This verse challenges believers to rely on God’s strength, trusting in His provision to overcome temptations related to substance abuse and other harmful behaviors.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 extends an invitation from Jesus to those burdened and weary. The commentary emphasizes the offer of rest in Christ and the contrast between finding solace in Him versus seeking escape through substances like smoking and drinking.
This verse challenges believers to turn to Jesus for true relief, acknowledging that the burdens of life find their lightness in the comforting embrace of the Savior.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 declares the believer’s ability to face challenges through Christ’s strength. The commentary underscores the empowerment found in relying on Christ, contrasting it with the false sense of strength sought through substances.
This verse challenges believers to draw on the limitless strength of Christ, recognizing that true resilience comes from Him rather than external dependencies.
1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV)
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.”
In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul addresses the concept of rights and freedom, cautioning against being mastered by anything. The commentary emphasizes the principle of beneficial choices and the danger of becoming enslaved to substances like smoking and drinking.
This verse challenges believers to exercise their freedom responsibly, avoiding the bondage that can result from unchecked indulgence in potentially harmful behaviors.
Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 expresses a desire for words and thoughts to be pleasing to the Lord. The commentary underscores the importance of maintaining a heart and mind that honor God, cautioning against activities like smoking and drinking that may compromise spiritual integrity.
This verse challenges believers to align their thoughts and actions with the pursuit of God’s pleasure.
1 Corinthians 10:23 (NIV)
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is constructive.”
1 Corinthians 10:23 echoes Paul’s message on rights and freedom, emphasizing the importance of constructive choices. The commentary underscores the principle of choosing actions that build up rather than tear down, cautioning against the potential harm associated with smoking and drinking.
This verse challenges believers to consider the impact of their choices on personal well-being and the edification of others.
James 1:19-20 (NIV)
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
James 1:19-20 instructs believers to be slow to anger and quick to listen. The commentary emphasizes the importance of emotional control, cautioning against the use of substances like alcohol as a coping mechanism for anger.
This verse challenges believers to seek righteous responses to emotions, avoiding reliance on substances that may hinder spiritual growth.
1 Timothy 5:23 (NIV)
“Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.”
1 Timothy 5:23 provides a nuanced perspective on drinking, acknowledging its potential benefits in certain situations. The commentary underscores the importance of moderation and the context-specific nature of this advice.
This verse challenges believers to approach choices related to substances with discernment, recognizing that the biblical perspective on drinking includes considerations of health and well-being.
1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'”
In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul warns against the influence of negative company on character. The commentary emphasizes the impact of social circles on behavior, cautioning believers against associations that may lead to harmful habits like smoking and drinking.
This verse challenges believers to be mindful of their friendships and surroundings, recognizing the potential for external influences to shape character.
Ephesians 5:18-20 (NIV)
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:18-20 emphasizes the contrast between being filled with the Spirit and the negative consequences of drunkenness. The commentary underscores the call to engage in spiritually uplifting activities, cautioning against the impairments associated with excessive drinking.
This verse challenges believers to seek the fullness of the Spirit, cultivating an atmosphere of gratitude, worship, and positive communication.
Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2 challenges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, avoiding conformity to worldly patterns. The commentary emphasizes the call to renew the mind, cautioning against behaviors like smoking and drinking that may hinder the transformation process.
This verse challenges believers to pursue a lifestyle aligned with God’s will, marked by holiness and true worship that goes beyond mere external rituals.
Also Read: Notable Bible Verses About Habits (with Explanations)
What Does the Bible Say About Smoking and Drinking?
The Bible does not explicitly address smoking and drinking in the modern context, as these specific practices were not prevalent in biblical times.
However, biblical principles provide guidance on how believers should approach behaviors that may impact their physical and spiritual well-being.
Respect for the Body:
The Bible emphasizes the sanctity of the human body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This principle encourages believers to treat their bodies with respect and avoid practices that may harm their physical health.
Self-Control and Moderation:
Scripture consistently promotes self-control and moderation. Proverbs warns against excessive drinking, highlighting the negative consequences (Proverbs 20:1). The concept of not being mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12) underscores the importance of avoiding addictive behaviors.
Influence on Others:
Believers are encouraged to consider the impact of their actions on others. Romans 14:21 emphasizes the responsibility to avoid behaviors that could cause fellow believers to stumble. This principle extends to choices related to smoking and drinking, urging believers to be mindful of the influence they may have on those around them.
A Short Prayer for Freedom from Harmful Habits
Heavenly Father,
We come before you, seeking Your divine intervention and grace. Today, we lift up our hearts in prayer for freedom from harmful habits that may hinder our well-being and spiritual growth. Grant us strength, Lord, to overcome any dependencies on substances like smoking and drinking.
Empower us with the wisdom to make choices that honor the sanctity of our bodies, recognizing them as temples of Your Holy Spirit. May Your guiding light lead us away from practices that may harm us physically, mentally, and spiritually.
We surrender our struggles to You, trusting in Your transformative power to break the chains of addiction and replace them with the freedom found in Your love. Let our lives be a testimony to Your grace, demonstrating the victory we have in Christ over harmful habits.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.