Psalm 104:14-15 He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate – bringing forth food from the earth; wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.
Commentary:
Wine is provided by God for man’s enjoyment. (also see Ecclesiastes 9:7)
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Commentary:
Too much wine, beer, alcohol, is wrong because of what it leads us into (sin). (also see Isaiah 5:11-13)
Proverbs 23:20 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.
Commentary:
We are warned to choose our friends carefully. Spending time in pursuit of too much drinking and food causes a person to loose his ambition and energy. This eventually effects both our physical attitude as well as our financial wealth.
Ecclesiastes 2:3 I tried cheering myself with wine and embracing folly my mind still guiding me with wisdom.
Commentary:
King Solomon was known for his wisdom and insight. He tried many things, including wine, to bring him joy (see all of chapter 2 of Ecclesiastes). King Solomon concluded that “everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” Wine is provided by God for mankind’s enjoyment, not to bring enjoyment to mankind.
Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners.”‘ But wisdom is proved right by her actions.”
Commentary:
Christ drank wine. (also see Matthew 26:27-29)
John 3:7-8 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”
Commentary:
Our Christ was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Therefore, Christ would not have created wine if the wine, of itself, was sinful. It is possible to conclude, then, that it is man’s use (or abuse) of wine that leads him to sin. It is the abuse that is wrong.
Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery, instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Commentary:
Debauchery is the seduction from virtue or morality; it is excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures; it is seduction from allegiance or duty. When what we drink causes us to lose our Christian productivity, drinking is wrong. We do not have to be drunk to drink too much. When we are led into debauchery, we are sinful. (see Galatians 5:19)
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
Commentary:
Our test on whether alcohol is a problem or not lies in the evidence of righteousness, peace and joy. If these are absent or there is immorality, conflict and sorrow, then it is likely that a problem exists.