Levo
Bible verses for drinking
When the drink starts to rule
The lie
I can't cope without it.
The truth
Whatever you run to for comfort will start to rule you. Let the Spirit fill you, not the bottle.
More truth
- One more is rarely just one more.
- Self-control is fruit of the Spirit, not willpower alone.
- Clear-headed is how you stay alert.
Pause
Stop before the next one. Breathe. Ask: am I drinking to enjoy, or to escape?
My verses
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything.
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it.
Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Pray
Lord, I want to drink to escape again. Fill me with Your Spirit instead. Give me the strength to say no tonight and to face what I'm running from with You. Amen.
Your way out
- Pour it out, or put it away and close the cupboard.
- Drink a big glass of water and eat something.
- Leave the place where the drinking is happening.
- Text your trusted person now.
- Don't keep it in the house this week.
If you can't stop
If drinking is hurting your health, work or family, or you can't stop on your own, that's not a weakness to hide. Get real help. If you drink heavily every day, don't stop suddenly on your own: withdrawal can cause seizures. Call your GP or Healthline 0800 611 116 first.
Not safe, or thinking about hurting yourself?Get help nowAll countries
New Zealand
Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797
Alcohol and drugs, for you or someone you care about. Call, or text 8681. Any time.
Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865
If you're thinking about suicide, or worried about someone. 7am to midnight.
Australia
United Kingdom
Ireland
United States
Canada
Germany
Austria
Rat auf Draht 147
For children and young people, free and anonymous. Also if someone threatens to share your pictures. Any time.
Switzerland
Pro Juventute 147
For children and young people. Also WhatsApp and chat at 147.ch, and if someone threatens to share your pictures. Any time.
Somewhere else? Call your local emergency number, or find a free helpline for your country at findahelpline.com.
Talk to someone
If you're drinking every day, drinking alone, or hiding it, tell someone and see your GP. Stopping suddenly after heavy drinking can be dangerous; get medical advice.
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Go deeper: Filled with the Spirit
Five days in the Bible on this, one passage a day.
- Who has woe? Proverbs 23:29-35
- Be filled Ephesians 5:15-21
- The fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:16-25
- Why spend on what doesn't satisfy? Isaiah 55:1-3
- No provision for the flesh Romans 13:11-14