Introduction:
Drinking in moderation is a topic addressed in various passages throughout the Bible. The Scriptures provide guidance on the consumption of alcohol, emphasizing the importance of self-control and the avoidance of excess. The Bible does not prohibit the consumption of alcohol outright but warns against the dangers of overindulgence and drunkenness.

Biblical References:

1. Old Testament Guidance:
The Old Testament contains several references to wine and strong drink. In Psalm 104:14-15 , it is noted that God provides "wine that gladdens the heart of man," suggesting that wine is a gift meant to be enjoyed responsibly. However, Proverbs 20:1 warns, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This highlights the potential for alcohol to lead one astray if not consumed with caution.

2. New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament continues to address the issue of alcohol consumption. In Ephesians 5:18 , Paul instructs, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." This passage contrasts the effects of drunkenness with the spiritual fulfillment found in the Holy Spirit, urging believers to seek the latter.

3. Jesus and Wine:
Jesus' first miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), indicates that wine can be part of celebratory occasions. The quality of the wine produced by Jesus was noted by the master of the banquet, suggesting that it was meant to be enjoyed. Additionally, during the Last Supper, Jesus used wine as a symbol of His blood in the institution of the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:27-29).

4. Paul's Instructions to Timothy:
In 1 Timothy 5:23 , Paul advises Timothy, "Stop drinking only water and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses." This suggests that wine can have medicinal benefits and can be consumed in moderation for health reasons.

Principles of Moderation:

1. Self-Control:
The Bible consistently emphasizes the virtue of self-control. Galatians 5:22-23 lists self-control as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that moderation in all things, including drinking, is a mark of spiritual maturity.

2. Avoiding Stumbling Blocks:
Romans 14:21 advises, "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble." This principle encourages believers to consider the impact of their actions on others, particularly those who may struggle with alcohol.

3. Wisdom and Discernment:
Proverbs 23:20-21 warns, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty." This passage underscores the importance of wisdom and discernment in making choices about alcohol consumption.

Conclusion:
The Bible provides a balanced view of alcohol, recognizing it as a gift that can be enjoyed in moderation while cautioning against the dangers of excess. Believers are encouraged to exercise self-control, consider the well-being of others, and seek wisdom in their approach to drinking.Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
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1 Timothy 5:23
Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your often infirmities.
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Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
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John 2:1-25
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
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Romans 14:21
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak.
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Isaiah 55:1
Ho, every one that thirsts, come you to the waters, and he that has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
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Romans 13:13
Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
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Luke 1:15
For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
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Titus 2:3
The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
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1 Timothy 3:3
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
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[Transcriber's Notes] Original "Misspellings" Such as "Fulness" ...
... in square brackets. For example: abstemious diet [abstemious = Eating and
drinking in moderation.]. The blandness of contemporary ...
/.../transcribers notes original misspellings such.htm

Useful Phrases
... absolutely irrevocable. absorbed reverie. abstemious diet [abstemious = eating and
drinking in moderation]. abstract character. abstruse reasoning. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section i useful phrases.htm

Evil Habits and Injurious Indulgences.
... The drinking in moderation or "not to excess" of unfermented wine is healthful,
and in harmony with divine laws: but total abstinence from spirituous liquors ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter xiv evil habits and.htm

About to Speak of the Temptations of the Lust of the Flesh, He ...
... And whereas health is the reason of eating and drinking, there joineth itself as
an ... that it doth not appear what may be Sufficient for the moderation of health ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxxi about to speak of.htm

On Drinking.
... And that he who drinks ought to observe moderation, He clearly showed by what He ...
lips may not be rent apart by stretching them on broad drinking cups, and so ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ii on drinking.htm

After this Preface as to the Falsification by Heretics of the ...
... Therefore we strive to act thoughtfully in all things, in drinking wine, and in
moderation of language, so that we dare not speak evil of any man. ...
/.../18 after this preface as.htm

Whether the Use of Wine is Altogether Unlawful?
... infirmities"; and it is written (Ecclus.31:36): "Wine drunken with moderation is
the ... to drink wine: sometimes it results from the mode of drinking, because to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the use of wine.htm

There is Another Evil of the Day, which I Would were Sufficient ...
... And health being the cause of eating and drinking, there joineth itself as an ... itself,
glad that it appeareth not what sufficeth for the moderation of health ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxxi there is another.htm

The Observation of the Birth of Christ, the Duty of all Christians ...
... drinking of the good things of life, but against the eating and drinking of them ...
we should be ashamed to think of, if we had only ate or drank with moderation. ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the observation of the birth.htm

Why they Wish to Possess Men.
... Therefore by immoderate eating and drinking, and lust, they urge men on to ... demons
to enter into them, because through excess they do not maintain moderation. ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xvi why they wish to.htm

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