51 Bible Verses About Addiction

What is Addiction?

Addiction means to become obsessed with something and find it very difficult to live without it. There are many verses in the Bible about addiction that describe how these habits destroy a person and it takes away his spirituality. There are many verses in the Bible about ending addiction. By following these guidelines, a person can avoid addiction and walk on God’s path. Most of the addiction comes from alcohol. It makes man unconscious and he loses his ability to understand the right things and is inclined towards evil. Addiction is something that diverts a person from the right path and leads to evil.

Discipline And Self Control

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 4:23

Verse

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Explanation

Our heart is the centre in which if we think evil, we will also do evil deeds. If we think good in this heart, we will also do good deeds. Therefore, it is important to keep your heart clean and think good thoughts in it.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 16:32

Verse

Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Explanation

Our ego prompts us to do many bad things. Therefore, controlling it is a great Jihad. It is better than the Jihad that we do on the battlefield. Therefore, whoever controls his anger has done a great Jihad.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 25:28

Verse

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

Explanation

In this verse, it is mentioned that if we do not control our emotions and do what our heart tells us to do, then the example is given of a person who is in a place and that place has no walls. It means that there will be no limit to his sins and he will commit many evils.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 23:1-2

Verse

When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.

Explanation

In this verse, we are told that we should not eat more than we need. It is a form of self-abuse and greed. If we eat too much, it is harmful for us. Life is best when we Walk moderately and eat as much as we need. Therefore, even if there is a lot of food in front of you, eat as much as your stomach needs. You should not try to eat all the food.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Psalm 101:3

Verse

I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it.

Explanation

This verse teaches us to be pure and clean. It advises that we should keep our hearts as well as our actions good and not keep anything in front of us that can lead us to evil. It is very important to have a clean heart because if the heart is not clean then we will not be able to do good deeds. Good deeds are based on good hearts and good intentions.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Job 31:1

Verse

I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.

Explanation

This verse mentions a promise that Job made to himself and we also learn from it that we should not look at others with a wrong and lustful eye. Rather, one should protect oneself from these things and control one’s self. There is goodness in that.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 13:20

Verse

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Explanation

In this verse, it is mentioned that friendship and company matter a lot, so it is important to sit among people who are wise. If they are wise, they will make you a wise person too, and if you sit among fools, you will suffer a lot. Therefore, your companionship should be adopted thoughtfully.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 Corinthians 9:27

Verse

No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Explanation

In this verse Paul the Apostle says to prepare your body like a player. He gave the example of a player who maintains himself and explains himself until he wins on the field of play or in battle. Therefore Paul the Apostle said that as long as he lives and is in the world, he will control his self like this player.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8

Verse

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

Explanation

It is very difficult to maintain your faith during times of temptation. It is explained in this verse that a soldier stays awake despite his sleep so that he can protect his homeland. If he is careless, the enemy will attack him. But he stands bravely and stays awake. In the same way, we have to do and face temptations with courage and protect ourselves from temptations and maintain our faith.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

2 Timothy 1:7

Verse

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Explanation

In this verse, it is stated that God has put souls in the bodies of human beings and that the soul God has not given to someone helpless and weak, but it is very powerful and loving. That is why we can control our self, bad thoughts and bad actions because of this powerful spirit. This power is given to us by God and we can use it.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

James 4:7

Verse

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Explanation

Satan’s job is to lead people astray, and Satan’s temptations are for those who are far away from God. Good servants of God do not fall under the temptation of Satan. Similarly, in this verse, we have been told to stay close to God and stay away from Satan. The way to stay away from Satan is to follow God’s orders. If we follow the path of God’s guidance, we will not come under Satan’s control.

Warning Against Temptations

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 20:1

Verse

Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Explanation

Alcohol is such an evil that if one starts drinking it, one becomes addicted to it. Drinking alcohol makes a person lose his mind and he cannot understand what he is doing. A person who drinks alcohol commits many sins. Alcohol is the root of sins. Everyone should be protected from it as much as possible. In this verse we are also told that wisdom lies in staying away from alcohol and avoiding this addiction.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 21:17

Verse

Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.

Explanation

It is mentioned in this verse that people who are fond of fulfilling their every desire and indulge in luxury, instead of becoming rich, they become poor. One should keep one’s life just enough in which the needs are fulfilled. When a person runs after desires, nothing comes to his hands.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Isaiah 5:11

Verse

Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine.

Explanation

By drinking alcohol, a person loses his senses and Satan makes him do wrong. Alcohol is the root of sins. Likewise, in this verse, it is mentioned about a person who has a great desire for alcohol and he continues to drink alcohol from morning till night and is gripped in its intoxication. By this his health gets worse and he also commits many sins. The use of alcohol is permissible, but it can be done only when there is a health issue, such as if the stomach is bad, then alcohol can be used. But actually, alcohol is prohibited and one should stay away from this curse.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Isaiah 5:22

Verse

Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks.

Explanation

Some people think that they are heroes by indulging in alcohol, but they do not know that they are destroying themselves by indulging in alcohol, because drinking alcohol destroys one’s intellect. And health also deteriorates. Therefore, decisions should be taken wisely.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 23:20-21

Verse

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.

Explanation

This verse teaches us that if we eat too much food or drink too much alcohol, our health will deteriorate. Therefore, it is important not to overindulge and eat as much as you are hungry and use alcohol in a healthy manner. Otherwise, the result will be that the health of a person will deteriorate and spiritually he will also become weak and sinful.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Hosea 4:11

Verse

To prostitution; old wine and new wine take away their understanding.

Explanation

It is mentioned in this verse that people use both new and old alcohol for prostitution. It teaches that alcohol is something that destroys the intellect and a person takes the path of sins. Like prostitution is also a big sin and alcohol is also used a lot in this business.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Isaiah 28:7

Verse

And these also stagger from wine and reel from beer: Priests and prophets stagger from beer and are befuddled with wine; they reel from beer, they stagger when seeing visions, they stumble when rendering decisions.

Explanation

In this verse, it is mentioned about those people who drink alcohol and lose their intelligence. These are the people who chose the path of sins and drank alcohol on their own desire. As a result, they lose their sanity and make those decisions that they shouldn’t make.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Ephesians 5:18

“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Verse

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Verse

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.

Explanation

This verse states that a person who has spent his whole life in sins such as worshiping idols, lying, committing adultery, drinking alcohol and cheating should now turn to God. Come back and seek forgiveness for your sins and live life in a better way.

Result of Self-Control Lacking And Addiction

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 23:29-35

Verse

Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Psalm 50:18

Verse

When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.

Explanation

This verse tells us that if someone does evil and is a thief in doing good, if we support him, we will become like him. Therefore, one should also take the path of goodness and call others to goodness, and one should avoid evil and not support those who do evil.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Isaiah 28:1

Verse

Woe to that wreath, the pride of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower, his glorious beauty, set on the head of a fertile valley— to that city, the pride of those laid low by wine!

Explanation

This verse criticizes those who lose their honor and status due to drunkenness. An example is given in it of a land that is very fertile, on which many beautiful plants and flowers bloom, but due to intoxication, they are ruined. This is a critical phrase meaning that those who have been honored by God disgrace their honor by taking the path of sins and drowning in drunkenness.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 24:30-34

Verse

I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Explanation

This verse mentions that some people are very lazy. They are not interested in work and remain in poverty. They don’t even try to work hard for their welfare and are worried because of their laziness. These people should work hard because God has made the soul of man strong and hardworking.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

James 1:14-15

Verse

But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Explanation

This verse tells about people who have a desire of their own to do bad things. Their self motivates them a lot and creates desires in them and they seek to fulfill these desires. When they do this sinful act, they again seek to commit another sinful act. The solution is to control the desires of the self and obey the commands of God.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 Corinthians 6:12

Verse

I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.

Explanation

In this verse, it is mentioned what is right for man and what is wrong. He has to decide for himself. Because there are many things that God has not forbidden but their excess is harmful to man. Therefore, every person should adopt things by looking at their circumstances and events and act strategically.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

2 Peter 2:19

Verse

They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”

Explanation

In this verse, a person who is a priest of self and is suffering from sinful activities and drunkenness but despite this, he advises other people to stop doing bad things, not to take drugs and free them from the prison of their self, but actually they are bound in the prison of the self.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 Corinthians 10:23

Verse

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive.

Explanation

This verse teaches us that not every permitted thing is beneficial. It depends on our strength and wisdom to use things properly. And use things while looking at your surroundings and yourself.

Choosing The Wisdom of God

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Ecclesiastes 10:17

Verse

Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness.

Explanation

Drinking alcohol destroys the intellect and it wastes a lot of time. In this verse, those people are encouraged and praised for their actions, those who do not get drunk and do their best. They do things wisely with full consciousness and they don’t waste their time.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 6:27-28

Verse

Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched?

Explanation

According to this verse, it can be understood that if a person is living in a bad society and feels that he will do bad things like drinking alcohol, but the alcohol will not harm him. If a person walks on the fire or puts the fire in his cradle, will the fire not harm him? Fire will cause harm. Therefore, a person should stay away from wrongdoing and evil so that he does not get harmed.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Jeremiah 35:5-6

Verse

Then I set bowls full of wine and some cups before the Rekabites and said to them, “Drink some wine.” But they replied, “We do not drink wine, because our forefather Jehonadab son of Rekab gave us this command: ‘Neither you nor your descendants must ever drink wine.

Explanation

This verse tells us that a person should always keep his commitment and faith strong. If anyone tempts them to sin, they should be strong in their faith instead of leaning towards their own self. An example of this is given in the verse that when a cup of wine was given to them, they said: We do not drink wine. It is forbidden to us. They kept their promise and refused to partake of such evil things as alcohol because they knew the difference between right and wrong.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 14:12

Verse

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

Explanation

In this verse, it is stated that we see the things of our self very rightly. We think that what our heart wants is fine if we do it, but it is not fine. These are the things that lead us to death. Similarly, there are some paths which man thinks are right but actually they are paths which lead us to death.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Psalm 119:37

Verse

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

Explanation

In this verse, it is prayed that God keeps us away from foolish and wrong things and keeps us always on the straight path. This prayer is very important because Satan and many people lead people to misguidance and evil. Therefore, a person who knows the difference between good and evil prays to God that God may protect him from evil and guide him on the straight path.

Book

Old-Testament

Reference

Proverbs 22:3

Verse

The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

Explanation

It is mentioned in this verse that one should always act with wisdom because it is wisdom that can bring a person out of evil and difficult situations. If a person does not act wisely and remains ignorant, he can fall into the trap of evil. Therefore, one should always act wisely.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Matthew 6:24

Verse

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Explanation

In this verse it is mentioned that no person can go towards both evil and good at the same time. Either he will adopt evil or he will turn to good. Similarly wealth turns man away from God and a man cannot be faithful to money and God at the same time. For that either he will hold wealth or he will embrace God.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

Verse

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

Explanation

God dwells in the heart. God has created humans and created them with great love. God wants humans to obey His orders and follow the straight path. Similarly, in this verse, it is stated that every human being should consider his body as God’s house and should protect it. Whoever destroys this house as well as himself, God will also destroy him. Therefore one should not ruin this house by drinking alcohol and should also protect it from the evil of other people.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Romans 6:12

Verse

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

Explanation

It is mentioned in this verse that we should not think evil in our heart because if we think evil then evil will reign over our body and our desires will lead to sins. Therefore, we should think about goodness so that we can do good deeds. If we start thinking evil, evil will rule over our body.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Romans 8:5-6

Verse

Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Explanation

It is mentioned in this verse that if we think about materialism and think about the desires of the body, then we will run after the desires of the body. But if we think about our soul and think about the needs of the soul, then we will run towards spirituality. Finally, the fulfillment of physical desires is death, but the fulfillment of spiritual desires is eternal peaceful life.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Philippians 4:13

Verse

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Explanation

In this verse, it is said to rely on God and it is said that God is the one who saves us from evil and guides us on the straight path. Therefore, if we believe in the power of God, then He will bring us to good deeds instead of evil deeds. It is very important to have firm faith.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

Colossians 3:5

Verse

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

Explanation

It is advised in this verse that if we want to live a peaceful and good life and want to be good servants of God, then we have to stay away from all kinds of evil. We have to avoid lying, adultery, deception, cheating, addiction and other evils like them. Only then we can live a peaceful life.

Book

New-Testament

Reference

2 Timothy 2:22

Verse

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Explanation

In this verse, a lesson is given and it is explained that we should always stay away from evil and avoid people who are involved in evil so that our life cannot be ruined. Apart from this, we should always do good deeds, keep love and faith in our hearts and stay away from other evils such as adultery, drunkenness, backbiting and cheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Something is done more energetically with obsession due to worldly love against God’s command.

Many people became addicted to the Bible, including Noah, King Saul, Samson, The Rich Young Ruler, and Judas Iscariot.

“Don’t get drunk on wine, but be filled with the Spirit”. (Ephesians 5:18)

Yes, if we think evil then it will rule our body.

Conclusion

By reading these verses we get the lesson that we should stay away from everything that takes us away from the path of God. Things that become embedded in our mind and become habituated to them, they destroy our ability to think and understand. Therefore, one should not follow the path of evil and follow the path of God. If we fall into these addictions, our spirituality will be ruined and along with the life of this world, our hereafter will also be ruined. Also, following these worldly things will isolate us from our God.