« [30]Do not choose to provoke those who love wine. For wine has destroyed many.
[31]Fire tests the hardness of iron; similarly, drinking wine to inebriation will rebuke the hearts of the arrogant.
[32]Drinking wine in sobriety gives a contented life to men. If you drink it in moderation, you will be sober.
[33]What is life to him who is diminished by wine?
[34]What can cheat him of his life? Death.
[35]From the beginning, wine was created for cheerfulness, but not for inebriation.
[36]Wine taken in moderation lifts up the mind and the heart.
[37]Sober drinking is healthful to mind and body.
[38]Wine taken in excess stirs up conflict and anger, and brings many to ruin.
[39]Wine taken in excess is bitter to the soul.
[40]The effects of inebriation are a stumbling block to the imprudent, diminishing strength and causing wounds.
[41]You should not argue with your neighbor during a banquet of wine. And you should not spurn him in his cheerfulness.
[42]You should not speak words of reproach to him. And you should not press him with repeated requests. »
(Sirach 31:30-42)
The debate about alcohol is common in many churches: some forbid it completely, while others tolerate measured use. Yet Sirach 31:30-42 offers a balanced view that neither demonizes wine nor ignores its dangers.
The passage begins with a solemn warning: “wine has destroyed many.”
This is not an exaggeration. Abuse of wine can damage health, cloud judgment, and lead to actions that dishonor a person. Drunkenness destroys self-control, awakens anger, and exposes the hidden weaknesses of the heart.
One who drinks without restraint loses dignity, strength, and sometimes even reputation.
But Scripture also acknowledges another reality: “Wine taken in moderation lifts up the mind and the heart.”
Used wisely, it brings cheerfulness, inner joy, and accompanies moments of celebration.
God created it for man’s enjoyment, not for his downfall. The key is not total prohibition but self-control, a necessary virtue for every believer.
Wine acts like a furnace (v.31): it reveals what lies inside the heart and rebuke the hearts of the arrogant.
The proud become provocative, the frustrated become violent, and the weak lose all restraint. Wine does not invent character—it exposes it.
That is why prudence is required even in times of celebration.
The text warns against provoking or humiliating others, and against mockery when joy fills the room (v.41- 42).
True maturity is seen in the ability to keep respect and dignity even while sharing a drink.
In summary, wine is neither a sin in itself nor a license for recklessness. It can be a blessing or a trap.
It brings joy, but excess destroys. The real question is not: “Can I drink?” but rather: “Am I still master of myself when I drink?”
For those who walk by the Spirit are guided not by desire, but by wisdom that guards the soul and honors God.
PRAYER:
Lord, give me wisdom to measure my choices, strength to master my desires, and the grace never to lose my dignity for a passing pleasure.
Amen.
Apostle Dr Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA