Wine is one of the most frequently mentioned beverages in the Bible.
It appears in moments of celebration, in warnings about drunkenness, and even in sacred rituals.
Some Christians believe drinking wine is perfectly acceptable, while others avoid it completely.
So what does the Bible actually say about wine?
Is it a gift from God or a dangerous temptation?
Let’s explore Scripture to find out.
Wine as a Blessing From God
Throughout the Bible, wine is often seen as a blessing.
It is associated with joy, abundance, and God’s provision.
Psalm 104:14-15 says,
He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;
And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.
This passage shows that wine was created to bring joy.
It was part of God’s gift to humanity, alongside food and oil.
In Deuteronomy 7:13, God’s blessing upon Israel includes an abundance of wine:
And he will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
These verses suggest that wine, when used properly, is a good thing.
It is not sinful by itself but can be part of a joyful and blessed life.
Jesus Turned Water Into Wine
One of the most well-known stories about wine in the Bible is Jesus’ first miracle.
At a wedding in Cana, the hosts ran out of wine, which would have been a major embarrassment.
Jesus told the servants to fill six stone jars with water, and then He turned that water into wine.
John 2:9-10 describes what happened:
When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
Not only did Jesus turn water into wine, but the wine He made was of the highest quality.
This miracle shows that Jesus did not condemn wine itself.
Instead, He provided it for a joyous occasion.
Wine in the Lord’s Supper
Wine also plays a role in Christian worship.
At the Last Supper, Jesus used wine to represent His blood, which would be shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26:27-28 says,
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it.
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
The wine in this moment was not just a drink—it was a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice.
This is why wine (or grape juice) is still used in communion today.
The Dangers of Drunkenness
While the Bible acknowledges wine as a blessing, it also warns against its misuse.
Drunkenness is repeatedly condemned as sinful and dangerous.
Ephesians 5:18 says,
And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.
This verse makes it clear that being drunk leads to excess and poor decision-making.
Instead of being controlled by alcohol, believers should be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 20:1 warns,
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Alcohol can deceive people, making them act foolishly and leading them into trouble.
Isaiah 5:22 says,
Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink.
While drinking wine in moderation is not condemned, making it a focus of life is dangerous.
The Bible’s Warnings About Alcohol Abuse
Some passages in the Bible give strong warnings about the effects of excessive drinking.
Proverbs 23:29-35 paints a vivid picture of what drunkenness leads to:
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.
They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
This passage shows that alcohol abuse leads to sorrow, confusion, and dangerous behavior.
It warns against being controlled by wine, as it can lead to regret and destruction.
Should Christians Drink Wine?
With both positive and negative mentions of wine in the Bible, many Christians wonder if they should drink it at all.
Romans 14:21 gives an important principle:
It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
If drinking wine causes someone else to stumble, it is better to avoid it.
This does not mean that drinking wine is always wrong, but it does mean that Christians should be mindful of how their choices affect others.
Some people struggle with alcoholism, and seeing another Christian drink could lead them into temptation.
First Corinthians 10:31 offers this guiding principle:
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
If drinking wine brings glory to God and does not cause harm, it may be acceptable in moderation.
However, if it leads to sin, poor judgment, or hurts others, it is better to avoid it.
Leaders and Wine
The Bible holds spiritual leaders to a high standard regarding alcohol.
First Timothy 3:2-3 says,
A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach.
Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous.
Church leaders are expected to be self-controlled and not given to drunkenness.
Titus 2:2 also says,
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
While the Bible does not forbid leaders from drinking wine entirely, it does emphasize self-control and setting a good example.
Wine as a Symbol in the Bible
Beyond its physical use, wine is often used symbolically in the Bible.
In the Old Testament, wine is sometimes a symbol of God’s blessing.
Genesis 27:28 says,
Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine.
At other times, wine represents God’s judgment.
Revelation 14:10 says,
The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation.
Wine can represent both joy and punishment, depending on the context.
Final Thoughts
The Bible presents a balanced view of wine.
It can be a blessing when used wisely, but it can also lead to destruction when misused.
Jesus drank wine and even used it in a miracle, showing that it is not inherently sinful.
However, the Bible strongly warns against drunkenness and addiction.
For Christians, the decision to drink wine should be made with wisdom, self-control, and a desire to honor God.
Ultimately, whether someone drinks wine or not, they should do all things for God’s glory.