Underage drinking—Does the Bible say anything about it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible does not specifically discuss underage drinking. However, biblical principles apply to this modern issue. Scripture has a lot to say about alcohol consumption, both positive and negative. For instance, drinking wine is often associated with feasting and celebration in the Bible (Ecclesiastes 9:7; Psalm 104:14–15; Amos 9:14). In the New Testament, Paul advises Timothy to take some wine for his stomach ailment (1 Timothy 5:23). But Scripture also addresses the dangers of the overconsumption of alcohol. The Bible teaches against drunkenness, regardless of age. Several Proverbs warn against the lure and danger of consuming too much alcohol (Proverbs 20:1; 23:20–21; 23:29–35; 31:4–5). But underage drinking is not necessarily about the amount of alcohol; it’s about adhering to drinking-age laws. The biblical position is to follow the laws of the land unless they conflict with God’s laws (Romans 13:1–2; Acts 5:29), and that includes laws specifying the minimum age to drink. Besides obeying laws, believers should always keep in mind our witness to others; if drinking under a certain age would make another person stumble, we should refrain from doing it, even if it is legal to do so (Romans 14:13). In all we do—including alcohol consumption—we should glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Bible condemns drunkenness and warns against abusing alcohol (Proverbs 20:1; 23:20–21; 23:29–35; 31:4–5), but it does not completely prohibit the drinking of alcohol.
• In a time before refrigeration, drinking wine was much more common than today. It was commonly associated with feasting and joy (Ecclesiastes 9:7; Psalm 104:14–15; Amos 9:14).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament doesn’t specifically discuss the age at which someone might consume alcohol, but it does condemn drunkenness (Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:18)
• Paul advises Timothy to use wine medicinally (1 Timothy 5:23).
• In the United States, twenty-one is the legal drinking age. Scripture condemns lawbreaking, so Christians who live in a country with a legal drinking age, such as the U.S., should not drink alcohol before the legal age. Romans 13:1 teaches, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God."
• Lawbreaking includes supplying alcohol to those who are under the legal drinking age. Those who do so may experience God's judgment, as well as the judgment of local authorities: "Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment" (Romans 13:2).
• Sometimes, actions that aren’t inherently wrong can still be sinful if we disregard their negative impact on others. Drinking, regardless of age, may be inappropriate if it causes another person to stumble. Romans 14:13 teaches, "Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother." Paul was more concerned about keeping others from sinning than having his own way; we should be the same.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Cocktail parties, toasts at weddings, the lively bar scene—the culture surrounding alcohol is alluring. It makes for a very tempting lure toward underage drinking. But as with so many other cultural norms, believers are called to stand apart from the world. For one thing, underage drinking is against the law, and Christians should avoid behavior that would identify us as lawbreakers (Romans 13:1–2). Practically, underage drinking can lead to criminal penalties. What kind of testimony does that send to unbelievers? Christians are to expect suffering in this world (2 Timothy 3:12)—but not for doing wrong. The apostle Peter wrote, “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name” (1 Peter 4:16). Our suffering should be for Christ’s sake, not because of self-indulgence or sin.

Jesus has called His followers to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–14). In all we do, we should glorify God (1 Corinthians 10:31). This means waiting until the right age to start drinking and glorifying God with the way you drink if you choose to have alcohol.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible condemns drunkenness but does not prohibit alcohol entirely.
• Christians are called to obey the law unless it contradicts God’s Word, meaning that drinking underage is wrong.
• Believers should consider how their actions affect others and reflect Christ.

REFLECT

• How do you view your responsibility to obey laws like the drinking age in light of your faith and witness to others?
• How can you glorify God through your choices about alcohol, even before reaching the legal drinking age?
• How might your actions regarding alcohol affect other believers or those still growing in their faith?

ENGAGE

• How can Christians balance enjoying alcohol while maintaining biblical principles about sobriety and witness?
• What challenges do we face today in respecting laws and biblical teaching on alcohol, especially when cultural norms conflict?
• How can we encourage one another to consider the impact of our actions on others?