Wisdom Over Wine and Weed
As a pastor, I recently received a heartfelt call from a young man deeply concerned for his friend. This friend, who professes to be a Christian, was getting high on both marijuana and alcoholic beverages, justifying his actions by comparing marijuana’s effects to wine.
The young man was deeply troubled, believing that his friend’s behavior didn’t align with the faith he claimed. This scenario is all too common. Many today justify smoking or taking edibles by equating getting high with the biblical idea of wine, as a “gladdening” blessing (Psalm 104:15). But Scripture draws a clear line.
Proverbs 23:29-35 offers wisdom to confront such justifications, and guiding us to freedom in Christ. For those struggling with addiction to wine, marijuana, or both, God’s Word provides not just caution but hope for a transformed life:
This passage paints a grim picture of drunkenness: sorrow, strife, wounds without cause, and a mind so clouded it sees strange things. Moreover, wine’s allure hides a serpent-like sting, trapping the addicted in a cycle of craving: “I must have another drink.”
This warning speaks of excess but also points beyond wine to any substance that robs us of clarity and control, including marijuana. In ancient Israel, wine was a God-given gift, meant to gladden the heart in moderation (Psalm 104:15). The Bible permits small amounts (1 Timothy 5:23) while condemning drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). Some try to equate recreational marijuana with wine by claiming its high is like wine’s blessing. This comparison, however, is unbiblical and misleading.
Equating marijuana with wine misinterprets Scripture and ignores their fundamental differences. In moderation, wine typically produces mild relaxation or cheer without impairing cognition. A single, diluted glass in biblical times brought gentle joy, aligning with the gladdening of Psalm 104:15, which speaks of a subtle refreshment while enjoying fellowship without clouding the mind.
Marijuana, even in small amounts, has psychoactive effects, altering perception, mood, and mental clarity more intensely. Its high is far more mind-altering than the mild effects of moderate wine, resembling the disorientation of drunkenness condemned in Proverbs 23:33, where “your eyes will see strange things.”
The gladdening of wine is not intoxication but a God-given joy, like the warmth of a shared meal with family, supporting clarity and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Marijuana’s high, by contrast, seeks euphoria or altered consciousness, dulling spiritual vigilance and aligning with the folly of excess, conflicting with the sober-mindedness God demands (1 Peter 5:8).
While wine was a cultural norm in biblical times, marijuana is illegal in many places today, and using it where prohibited violates God’s call to obey authorities (Romans 13:1-2). Even where legal, its mind-altering enslaving power (Proverbs 23:35) and lack of biblical sanction make it a danger Scripture does not endorse. Equating weed with wine misinterprets God’s Word and risks the woes Proverbs 23 warns against. Scripture’s principles, like clarity, self-control, and holiness, demand abstinence from recreational marijuana, offering no justification for its use.
As Christians, we’re called to reflect Christ’s holiness, not to justify behaviors that cloud our witness. Futhermore, we must be sensitive to those struggling with substance abuse, prioritizing love over our liberties. The law of love urges us to abstain from marijuana entirely and, at times, even from wine, if our use might lead others into temptation or harm, ensuring our choices reflect Christ’s holiness and protect our brothers and sisters (Romans 14:21).
For those trapped by addiction to wine, marijuana, or both, Proverbs 23 isn’t just a warning, it’s a promise of hope. God sees your struggle and offers freedom through His Spirit. If you’re struggling, begin by confessing your need to God, trusting His promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Addiction thrives in secrecy, but freedom starts with surrender. Pray daily for His power to resist temptation, knowing that “God is faithful” to provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). Let Scripture renew your mind (Romans 12:2), replacing cravings with God’s truth. The pull of wine or marijuana often masks deeper needs, like peace, joy, or escape, but the promises of scripture, like Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through him who strengthens me”) or Psalm 16:11 (“In your presence there is fullness of joy”) can redirect your focus when cravings strike.
It’s important to also be aware that people battling addiction often struggle with depression. And depression craves isolation. But isolation not only feeds depression--it also fuels addiction. On the other hand, godly community offers strength. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Share your struggle with a trusted pastor, mentor, or Christian friend, and consider joining a Christ-centered recovery group for accountability and encouragement. Avoid environments that trigger temptation (Proverbs 22:3). Again, be sensitive to the struggles that others have with substance abuse by prioritizing love over over liberties. Engage in worship, serve others, or explore hobbies that bring joy without substances. Discover your God-given purpose, whether through ministry, work, or relationships, to shift your focus from temporary highs to eternal significance.
Proverbs 23 warns that wine’s excess and marijuana’s high bite like a serpent, leaving us empty. But Jesus offers much more: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). He turned water into wine to celebrate God’s goodness, not to enslave us. He invites us to find true joy in Him, not in a bottle or a joint. The gentle gladdening of a God-given gift cannot compare to the living water He provides (John 4:14).
If you’re struggling, take heart. You are not defined by your addiction but by Christ’s love for you. Each step toward freedom is a step toward the abundant life He promises. Lean on His grace, surround yourself with His people, and let His Word guide you. The serpent’s sting is no match for the Savior’s strength.
The young man was deeply troubled, believing that his friend’s behavior didn’t align with the faith he claimed. This scenario is all too common. Many today justify smoking or taking edibles by equating getting high with the biblical idea of wine, as a “gladdening” blessing (Psalm 104:15). But Scripture draws a clear line.
Proverbs 23:29-35 offers wisdom to confront such justifications, and guiding us to freedom in Christ. For those struggling with addiction to wine, marijuana, or both, God’s Word provides not just caution but hope for a transformed life:
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine. Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like one who lies on the top of a mast. “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.”’
This passage paints a grim picture of drunkenness: sorrow, strife, wounds without cause, and a mind so clouded it sees strange things. Moreover, wine’s allure hides a serpent-like sting, trapping the addicted in a cycle of craving: “I must have another drink.”
This warning speaks of excess but also points beyond wine to any substance that robs us of clarity and control, including marijuana. In ancient Israel, wine was a God-given gift, meant to gladden the heart in moderation (Psalm 104:15). The Bible permits small amounts (1 Timothy 5:23) while condemning drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). Some try to equate recreational marijuana with wine by claiming its high is like wine’s blessing. This comparison, however, is unbiblical and misleading.
Equating marijuana with wine misinterprets Scripture and ignores their fundamental differences. In moderation, wine typically produces mild relaxation or cheer without impairing cognition. A single, diluted glass in biblical times brought gentle joy, aligning with the gladdening of Psalm 104:15, which speaks of a subtle refreshment while enjoying fellowship without clouding the mind.
Marijuana, even in small amounts, has psychoactive effects, altering perception, mood, and mental clarity more intensely. Its high is far more mind-altering than the mild effects of moderate wine, resembling the disorientation of drunkenness condemned in Proverbs 23:33, where “your eyes will see strange things.”
The gladdening of wine is not intoxication but a God-given joy, like the warmth of a shared meal with family, supporting clarity and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Marijuana’s high, by contrast, seeks euphoria or altered consciousness, dulling spiritual vigilance and aligning with the folly of excess, conflicting with the sober-mindedness God demands (1 Peter 5:8).
While wine was a cultural norm in biblical times, marijuana is illegal in many places today, and using it where prohibited violates God’s call to obey authorities (Romans 13:1-2). Even where legal, its mind-altering enslaving power (Proverbs 23:35) and lack of biblical sanction make it a danger Scripture does not endorse. Equating weed with wine misinterprets God’s Word and risks the woes Proverbs 23 warns against. Scripture’s principles, like clarity, self-control, and holiness, demand abstinence from recreational marijuana, offering no justification for its use.
As Christians, we’re called to reflect Christ’s holiness, not to justify behaviors that cloud our witness. Futhermore, we must be sensitive to those struggling with substance abuse, prioritizing love over our liberties. The law of love urges us to abstain from marijuana entirely and, at times, even from wine, if our use might lead others into temptation or harm, ensuring our choices reflect Christ’s holiness and protect our brothers and sisters (Romans 14:21).
For those trapped by addiction to wine, marijuana, or both, Proverbs 23 isn’t just a warning, it’s a promise of hope. God sees your struggle and offers freedom through His Spirit. If you’re struggling, begin by confessing your need to God, trusting His promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Addiction thrives in secrecy, but freedom starts with surrender. Pray daily for His power to resist temptation, knowing that “God is faithful” to provide a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). Let Scripture renew your mind (Romans 12:2), replacing cravings with God’s truth. The pull of wine or marijuana often masks deeper needs, like peace, joy, or escape, but the promises of scripture, like Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through him who strengthens me”) or Psalm 16:11 (“In your presence there is fullness of joy”) can redirect your focus when cravings strike.
It’s important to also be aware that people battling addiction often struggle with depression. And depression craves isolation. But isolation not only feeds depression--it also fuels addiction. On the other hand, godly community offers strength. As the apostle Paul wrote, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Share your struggle with a trusted pastor, mentor, or Christian friend, and consider joining a Christ-centered recovery group for accountability and encouragement. Avoid environments that trigger temptation (Proverbs 22:3). Again, be sensitive to the struggles that others have with substance abuse by prioritizing love over over liberties. Engage in worship, serve others, or explore hobbies that bring joy without substances. Discover your God-given purpose, whether through ministry, work, or relationships, to shift your focus from temporary highs to eternal significance.
Proverbs 23 warns that wine’s excess and marijuana’s high bite like a serpent, leaving us empty. But Jesus offers much more: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). He turned water into wine to celebrate God’s goodness, not to enslave us. He invites us to find true joy in Him, not in a bottle or a joint. The gentle gladdening of a God-given gift cannot compare to the living water He provides (John 4:14).
If you’re struggling, take heart. You are not defined by your addiction but by Christ’s love for you. Each step toward freedom is a step toward the abundant life He promises. Lean on His grace, surround yourself with His people, and let His Word guide you. The serpent’s sting is no match for the Savior’s strength.