There are numerous scriptures that teach against drunkenness. However, wine itself is not forbidden. In fact, Jesus drank wine (see Mark 14:23-25). Jesus even turned water into wine (see John 2:3-11). Paul also instructed Timothy to not drink the water; rather, he was to use a little wine to provide help for his stomach. (1 Timothy 5:23: "Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.")
Some people use the forgoing passage to support their theory that the Bible prohibits the use of any form of alcohol (fermented or distilled). How so? Because in biblical days the water quality was so poor that it was necessary for health reasons to drink wine (although containing a lower alcohol content). In modern times, we have "good water" in most places, therefore the anti-alcohol group proposes we no longer have the need to use wine for our health -- so its use in any form is a sin. While the water quality concept may be true, wine or strong drink is not forbidden on the basis of Scripture alone. What is wrong is drunkenness. In my opinion, drinking fermented beverages in moderation, is not a violation of Scripture.
Prayerfully consider what the Bible says about wine, strong drink and drunkenness. For example:
Proverbs 20:1: "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise."
Isaiah 5:11: "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."
Isaiah 5:22: "Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and champions at mixing drinks."
1 Timothy 3:8: "In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
Luke 21:34: "Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap."
Titus 2:3: "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good."
Habakkuk 2:15: "Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies!"
1 Corinthians 6:19-21: "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."
Questions to Ponder:
Have you been taking your freedom in the area of alcohol consumption too far?