Throughout the Old Testament, there are frequent references to wine. In areas where water is scarce and easily contaminated, such as the areas in Old Testament events, wine is frequently used as a commonly accepted drink. As such, drinking wine is not universally prohibited in Old Testament scriptures. Such a blanket prohibition would seem out of harmony with the history of the area. However, the Scriptures do prohibit wine under certain circumstances, and more universally, prohibit intoxication or drunkenness from an overuse of wine.
Proverbs 23:20 instructs the reader to “be not among winebibbers.” Other translations, such as the New American Standard Bible provide a more understandable wording: “do not be heavy drinkers of wine.” The second part of the scripture cautions the reader to avoid gluttonous behavior with food. The thought of the combined scripture is that greed and excess with food and drink (wine) are wrong, not necessarily the act of eating or drinking wine itself.
Leviticus 10:9 begins with a seemingly straightforward instruction from God Himself: “do not drink wine nor strong drink.” A study of the surrounding verses, however, reveals that God’s direction was more specific than a cursory readying may imply. Leviticus 10:1-11 records the account of Nadab and Abihu, two sons of Aaron, the high priest of Israel at the time. The two sons committed a sin against God (verse 1) and died as a result (verse 2). Although not clearly stated, there is a strong implication that the sin was committed while the two sons were intoxicated. God’s direction to Aaron in verse 9 is directed specifically to Aaron (the high priest) and his sons (the priests). They are not to drink wine or “strong drink” when they go into the Tabernacle. The direction was not that drinking wine in any amount was forbidden; in fact, the priests were to receive a portion of the wine made by the Israelites as a “due” (Deuteronomy 18:3, 4).
The account of Aaron’s sons highlights the important difference between the drinking of wine and intoxication. While the former is not prohibited by the Scriptures, the latter is unequivocally condemned. Intoxication is implied to have caused the impairment of judgement that led to Aaron’s sons sinning against God. The ability to reason and the possession of free will are part of what makes mankind unique among God’s creation, and part of how man is created “in God’s image” (Genesis 1:26-27, 3:22). He desired a creation that chose to love Him and His obey His laws. Intoxication interferes with the ability to make sound choices and is thus contrary to God’s will.
Each Christian is responsible for studying the Bible (Old and New Testaments), both independently and with others, and determining a correct course of action for themselves. Each Christian is also responsible for understanding one’s own weaknesses, especially with respect to activities which have historically led to problems throughout the years, such as drinking wine or alcohol. Further, whether it’s desired or not, each Christian is an example to every person they encounter. It would be irresponsible to drink wine or other strong drink solely on the basis that such drink is not prohibited by the Old Testament scriptures. Each Christian must answer for themselves whether the drinking of wine is in the best interest of their service to God, which is the primary priority of each true follower of Christ.
Additional Resource:
For further thoughts on wine in both the Old and New Testaments, and considerations on the relationship between wine and Christians, consider the audio study “Wine.” A printed version of this study can be found here.
