Should alcohol come with a stronger warning label? The U.S. Surgeon General thinks so.

On January 3, 2025, Dr. Vivek Murthy released a new advisory and is calling on Congress to update the existing surgeon general’s health warning label on alcohol-containing beverages to include the risk of cancer.

Recent studies have linked alcohol to increased risk of several types of cancer, including colon, liver, breast, mouth and throat, as well as other health problems such as liver damage and cognitive decline.

What about the old belief that moderate drinking benefits health? That notion could be going away as well. The World Health Organization has said that no amount of alcohol is completely safe.

Alcohol has long been a topic of debate. Some see it as relatively harmless, while others view it as an unsafe substance that too often leads to addiction and health problems. Countries around the world have been reconsidering their regulations on alcohol advertising and sales as new data has emerged.

The United Kingdom, France, Denmark, the Netherlands and Australia have all recently lowered their alcohol consumption recommendations. Ireland will require cancer warning labels on alcohol starting in 2026.

Current U.S. dietary guidelines advise men to limit themselves to two drinks or fewer per day and women to one drink or fewer per day. One drink is the equivalent of about one 12-ounce can of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine or a shot of liquor.

One way of thinking of these guidelines is being moderate. This is a concept found in the pages of the Bible. The apostle Paul wrote, “Let your moderation be known unto all men” (Phil. 4:5). This verse provides an important guiding principle about alcohol consumption.

Throughout Scripture, God gives His perspective on alcohol. This includes guiding principles like the one above, as well as other verses that speak of it directly.

Science has been able to learn the bad effects of being immoderate with alcohol. But the Bible goes further than what these studies can show by addressing its moral and spiritual implications.

Alcohol in the Bible

Alcohol has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, often playing a role in religious ceremonies and social traditions. In biblical times, beverages like wine were commonly consumed.

The Bible often references wine, portraying it as a gift from God that can bring joy and be used when celebrating. Psalm 104:15 states that wine “makes glad the heart of man.”

In ancient Hebrew culture, wine was used in offerings and communal meals. Festivals, weddings and religious observances often included the drink as a symbol of joy and blessing. God even says His Kingdom will involve “a feast of wines on the lees” (Isa. 25:6).

In addition to its role in celebrations, wine was valued for its medicinal properties. It was used to treat ailments, cleanse wounds and even improve digestion.

Paul advised Timothy, “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your often infirmities” (I Tim. 5:23). This suggests that wine consumption had practical benefits in a time when safe drinking water was not always available.

Jesus Christ turned water into wine in a famous miracle in John 2:1-12. Take time to read the account. If alcohol were unsafe to consume in any amount, He would never have done this. At the request of His mother, Jesus provided “good wine” (vs. 10) for the large group at the wedding to enjoy.

Despite these positive accounts, the Bible also contains warnings about the consequences of excessive drinking.

Proverbs 20:1 cautions, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” This shows that drinking too much clouds your judgment and often results in reckless decisions and risky behavior.

King Solomon wrote, “Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: for the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags” (23:20-21). God does not want us to get drunk or to spend time around others who do.

Drunkenness is explicitly forbidden by God. Ephesians 5:18 says, “Be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.” And I Corinthians 6:10 warns that those who are habitually drunk will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Taken together, these scriptures show that the Bible allows us to enjoy alcohol, but that we should not use it excessively. We need to apply wisdom and self-control.

Most people can drink alcohol moderately, enjoying an occasional glass of wine or beer without overindulging. But there could be exceptions, such as recovering alcoholics, for whom it is best to abstain from alcohol entirely.

Alcohol, as with many things in life, can be used responsibly or irresponsibly.

Impact on Others

Excessive drinking does more than harm your health—it limits your ability to care for others.

Alcohol abuse strains relationships and families. Being buzzed, drunk or hung over all the time means you are not able to help others when they are in need. Domestic violence, financial struggles and emotional distress also often accompany this.

Too much drinking can even lead to death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes—that’s one person every 39 minutes. In 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths. These deaths were all preventable.”

Even when drinking responsibly, we should be mindful of our example to others. Romans 14:21 states, “It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor anything whereby your brother stumbles.”

If consuming alcohol could lead someone else to struggle—such as a friend recovering from addiction—it is worth reconsidering when and how much we drink.

Instead of focusing on yourself, ask: How do my choices impact those around me?

I Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Make sure what you do in each situation glorifies God. Apply what you have learned about His view of alcohol through this article.

Choosing moderation benefits your personal well-being and sets a positive example for those who look to you for guidance and encouragement.

Practical Ways to Drink Responsibly

Here are some practical tips to ensure alcohol remains under control in your life.

Set limits. Decide in advance how much you will drink on a given day or social outing and stick to that limit. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, as this can lead to quicker intoxication and impaired judgment.

Seek accountability. Ask a close friend to help you stay on track and avoid drinking too much. Having someone check in with you can encourage responsible habits.

Be safe. If you do slip up and drink too much alcohol, get a ride home from a friend or call a ride. Have an app like Uber or Lyft available. Do not get behind the wheel of a car.

Know your drinks. Read labels to understand the alcohol content of your favorite beverages. Some drinks contain higher alcohol percentages than you may realize, making it easy to overindulge without realizing it. For example, higher-end craft beers may have alcohol percentages over 9 percent.

Try alternatives. Perhaps in addition to keeping beer in your fridge, you pick up a quantity of nonalcoholic beverages too. Once you have hit your limit for alcoholic drinks, switch over to the other drinks. Nonalcoholic options are growing in popularity, and there are a lot of high-quality options to try.

Change it up. When you get together with friends, instead of always gathering at bars or other places where drinking is the focus, explore other social activities like hiking, game nights or meetups for coffee. Trying different types of activities and entertainment can reduce reliance on alcohol for socializing.

Be aware of your triggers. If you tend to drink when stressed or upset, find healthier ways to cope, such as exercise, prayer or talking with a friend. Identifying negative influences can help prevent using alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Practice mindful drinking. Take time to enjoy your drink instead of consuming it quickly. Being conscious of each sip can help you pace yourself and enjoy the experience responsibly.

By using these tactics, you will build habits that lead to better decision-making every time.

Reflect on Your Choices

Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.” Applying the verses we have examined allows you to navigate alcohol God’s way. You do not need to be confused about whether it is good or bad.

Take time to reflect on alcohol’s role in your life.

Ask yourself: “Does the way I consume alcohol line up with what God says? Am I using wisdom and controlling myself when I drink? Could alcohol be holding me back from being there for my family and friends?”

Good choices will impact you and the people around you. Remember, Philippians 4:5 says, “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” Proving to yourself that you are moderate is important, but it is also valuable for others to know your example and be motivated to make responsible choices.

Do not blindly follow the crowd—whether in overindulgence or unnecessary abstinence. Instead, follow what the Bible teaches.

To learn more about God’s view of alcohol and other areas of health, read our article Is Drinking a Sin? and our booklet God’s Principles of Healthful Living.

This article contains information from The Associated Press.