God’s View on Addiction - Bible Verses about Drugs and Smoking

Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about drugs and smoking? In today's society, substance abuse is a prevalent issue. Many people struggle with addiction, dependency, or temptation to use various substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and others. Some people may use these substances for recreational purposes, to cope with stress, to escape from reality, or to fit in with their peers.

But what does God think about these habits? How does He view our bodies and our health? What does He want us to do with our lives?

This blog post will delve into 30 Bible verses that provide insight into God's view on drugs and smoking. These verses will show us what God says about our bodies, our minds, our spirits, and our relationship with Him. They will also reveal His love, grace, and power to help us overcome any addiction or temptation.

Whether you are a smoker, a drug user, or someone who wants to help a loved one who is struggling, these verses will encourage you, challenge you, and inspire you to seek God's will for your life.

Hebrews 12:1 – Throw off everything that hinders

Hebrews 12:1: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles"

This verse encourages us to throw off everything that hinders us, including harmful substances like drugs and tobacco.

Matthew 6:33 – Seek first his kingdom

Matthew 6:33 : "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

This verse reminds us to prioritize God's kingdom over worldly desires, such as the temporary pleasure that drugs and smoking might provide.

Matthew 19:26 – With God all things are possible

Matthew 19:26: "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible'."

This verse offers hope for those struggling with addiction, emphasizing that with God, overcoming addiction is possible.

Proverbs 11:17 – The kind benefit themselves

Proverbs 11:17: "Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves."

This verse suggests that kindness to oneself, including maintaining one's health, benefits the individual.

Psalms 119:37 – Turn my eyes away from worthless things

Psalms 119:37: "Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word."

This verse encourages us to focus on valuable things and turn away from worthless ones, like drugs and smoking. It reminds us of the importance of directing our attention and energy towards what is truly meaningful and beneficial for our lives.

Romans 8:5 – Live according to the Spirit

Romans 8:5: "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."

This verse contrasts living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit, promoting a life free from the control of harmful substances. It encourages us to align our desires and actions with the Spirit, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Romans 12:2 – Do not conform to the pattern of this world

Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

This verse warns against conforming to worldly patterns, such as substance abuse, and encourages transformation through the renewal of the mind. It calls us to resist harmful societal norms and to seek personal growth and spiritual maturity.

1 Corinthians 9:27 – Make my body my slave

1 Corinthians 9:27: "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."

This verse emphasizes self-discipline, a crucial trait in overcoming addiction. It encourages us to exercise control over our bodies and our desires, ensuring that they serve us rather than the other way around.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – God will provide a way out

1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

This verse reassures that God will not let us be tempted beyond our ability to bear and will provide a way out, a comforting message for those battling addiction. It reminds us of God's faithfulness and His promise to provide support and relief in our struggles.

2 Peter 2:19 – People are slaves to whatever has mastered them

2 Peter 2:19: "They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for “people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.”"

This verse warns about becoming slaves to destructive habits like drugs and smoking, urging us to seek freedom. It highlights the deceptive nature of addiction, which promises freedom but leads to enslavement.

Ephesians 5:18 – Do not get drunk on wine

Ephesians 5:18: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,"

This verse warns against excessive indulgence, such as getting drunk on wine, and encourages us to be filled with the Spirit instead. It calls us to seek spiritual fulfillment rather than temporary physical pleasure.

1 Corinthians 6:12 – Not everything is beneficial

1 Corinthians 6:12: "“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."

This verse reminds us that while we have the freedom to do anything, not everything is beneficial or constructive. It encourages us to exercise our freedom wisely and to avoid things that can harm us or take control over our lives.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

These verses emphasize that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with respect, which includes avoiding harmful substances like drugs and tobacco. They remind us of the sacredness of our bodies and our responsibility to care for them.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – You yourselves are God’s temple

1 Corinthians 3:16-17: "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."

These verses reiterate the idea that we are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in us, further emphasizing the importance of treating our bodies with respect. They warn against harming God's temple, our bodies, and call us to honor God by maintaining our health and well-being.

Galatians 5:22-23 – The fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

This verse lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control. Self-control is a crucial trait in overcoming addiction. It helps us resist the urge to give in to harmful habits and choose healthier alternatives instead.

James 1:12 – Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial

James 1:12: "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

This verse offers encouragement and hope for those struggling with addiction. It emphasizes the blessings that come from perseverance, reminding us that enduring hardship can lead to greater rewards.

2 Timothy 1:7 – God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power

2 Timothy 1:7: "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

This verse reminds us that God has given us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. These traits can help us overcome addiction by empowering us to resist temptation, choose love over harmful habits, and exercise self-discipline.

1 Peter 5:8 – Be alert and of sober mind

1 Peter 5:8: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

This verse warns us to be alert and of sober mind, highlighting the dangers of substance abuse. It reminds us to stay vigilant against the temptations that can lead to addiction.

2 Corinthians 7:1 – Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit

2 Corinthians 7:1: "Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God."

This verse encourages us to purify ourselves from anything that contaminates our body and spirit, including drugs and smoking. It calls us to strive for holiness as a sign of our reverence for God.

Romans 13:14 – Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ

Romans 13:14: "Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."

This verse encourages us to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and not to gratify the desires of the flesh, such as the temporary pleasure that drugs and smoking might provide. It reminds us to focus on spiritual growth rather than physical gratification.

Galatians 5:16 – Live by the Spirit

Galatians 5:16: "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

This verse encourages us to live by the Spirit, and not gratify the desires of the flesh, which includes harmful habits like drugs and smoking. It calls us to follow the guidance of the Spirit in our daily lives.

1 Peter 2:11 – Abstain from sinful desires

1 Peter 2:11: "Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul."

This verse urges us to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against our soul, including the use of drugs and smoking. It reminds us that our actions can have a profound impact on our spiritual well-being..

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 – Be alert and self-controlled

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8: "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."

These verses call us to be alert and self-controlled, traits that are crucial in overcoming addiction.

Titus 2:12 – Say “No” to ungodliness

Titus 2:12: "It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,"

This verse encourages us to reject ungodliness and worldly passions, promoting a life of self-control, righteousness, and godliness.

James 4:7 – Submit yourselves to God

James 4:7: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

This verse emphasizes the importance of submitting ourselves to God as a way to resist the devil, which includes resisting harmful habits like drugs and smoking.

2 Corinthians 5:17 – The new creation

2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

This verse emphasizes that anyone in Christ is a new creation, offering hope for those struggling with addiction.

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ

Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

This verse reassures us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, including overcoming addiction.

Romans 6:12-14 – Do not let sin reign

Romans 6:12-14: "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace."

These verses urge us not to let sin reign in our mortal bodies, encouraging us to resist harmful habits like drugs and smoking.

1 John 2:16 – The lust of the flesh

1 John 2:16: "For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world."

This verse warns us about the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, which includes the temporary pleasure that drugs and smoking might provide.

Romans 8:12-13 – Put to death the misdeeds of the body

Romans 8:12-13: "Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."

These verses encourage us to put to death the misdeeds of the body, promoting a life free from the control of harmful substances.

Conclusion

We've explored Bible verses that provide insight into God's view on drugs and smoking. These verses encourage us to live by the Spirit, abstain from sinful desires, and treat our bodies with respect.

They offer hope for those struggling with addiction and emphasize the importance of self-control and perseverance. As you reflect on these verses, consider how you can apply their teachings to your life. Remember, with God's help, it is possible to overcome addiction and live a life that honors Him.

May these verses serve as a reminder of God's love for us and His desire for us to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Let's continue to seek His guidance in all areas of our lives, including our struggles with addiction.

FAQs

What does the Bible say about drugs and smoking? 

The Bible does not directly mention drugs or smoking, but it provides principles that can guide our understanding. Verses like 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 emphasize that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be treated with respect, which includes avoiding harmful substances like drugs and tobacco.

Is smoking a sin according to the Bible? 

While the Bible does not explicitly label smoking as a sin, it does encourage believers to take care of their bodies and avoid behaviors that could be harmful. Verses such as 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and Romans 12:2 can be interpreted as discouraging practices like smoking that can harm our health.

What does the Bible say about addiction? 

The Bible offers guidance and hope for those struggling with addiction. Verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13 reassure us that God will not let us be tempted beyond our ability to bear and will provide a way out. Other verses, such as Galatians 5:16, encourage us to live by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh, which includes harmful habits like drugs and smoking.

How does the Bible guide us in overcoming addiction? 

The Bible provides principles and promises that can help individuals overcome addiction. It emphasizes self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), perseverance (James 1:12), and reliance on God's strength (Philippians 4:13). It also reassures believers of God's love and faithfulness, offering hope for transformation and recovery.

What hope does the Bible offer to those struggling with substance abuse? 

The Bible offers significant hope to those battling substance abuse. Verses like 2 Corinthians 5:17 emphasize that anyone in Christ is a new creation, offering hope for those struggling with addiction. Other verses, such as Philippians 4:13, reassure us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, including overcoming addiction.