Question: Dr. Warrick, what is your take on alcohol consumption?

Answer:

Wine and intoxicating beverages are fascinating subjects when viewed from a biblical perspective.

In the Bible, wine was used to sanctify and conclude Shabbat and many festivals. Many of the commandments are accompanied by a cup of wine. Blessings were recited with a cup of wine beneath the wedding canopy, at a circumcision, at a Pidyon Haben (the Redemption of a Firstborn Son), and let’s not forget the four cups of wine we drink at the Passover seder.

In the Scriptures, wine is described as “bringing joy to God and man” (Judges 9:13). And, indeed, every sacrifice offered in the Holy Temple was accompanied by a wine libation. And let us not forget Jesus’ first miracle was to turn water into wine (John 2:1-11). The Apostle Paul wrote, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Noticed, Paul said, “do not get drunk…” He never said, do not drink wine. Paul was a zealous Jew (Acts 22:3), and he would have consumed wine during many of the festivals and celebrations. In fact, In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul instructed Timothy to stop drinking water exclusively (which was probably causing his stomach problems) and instead drink wine. In that day, wine was fermented (containing alcohol), but not necessarily to the degree, it is today. It is incorrect to say that it was grape juice, but it is also wrong to say that it was the same as the wine commonly used today.

This thought also leads me to say we are told of the destructive nature of wine and intoxication. Couple examples:

• The righteous Noah, whose righteousness caused God to spare the human race, was disgraced by excessive wine consumption.
• Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s two holy sons, entered the Tabernacle while drunk and were consumed by a fire that emanated from the heavens.

So, what is my answer? Is alcohol a holy beverage with tremendous powers, reserved for holy and special occasions and events? Or is it a deadly agent with the power to bring down mighty individuals, a substance to be avoided at all costs?

Well, a little bit of both, it seems.  When used correctly, it has tremendous potential and a drawback of equal proportion if misused and abused. Alcohol, consumed in small quantities, is neither harmful nor a sin. In fact, some doctors advocate drinking small amounts of red wine for its health benefits, especially for the heart. In other words, what we use it for is entirely up to us.

Alcohol’s ability to bring joy is because it relaxes our inhibitions and weakens the body’s natural defenses. On the other hand, getting drunk to escape the responsibilities we have to ourselves, our families, and those around us is highly destructive.