OUR Creator, who wants what is best for us, does not prohibit the moderate use of alcohol. On the contrary, he has given man “wine to make him happy, olive oil to make him cheerful, and bread to give him strength.” (Psalm 104:15, Today’s English Version) On one occasion, Jesus Christ contributed to the enjoyment of a wedding by turning water into “the best wine.”—John 2:3-10, New Jerusalem Bible. It stands to reason that the Creator knows precisely how alcohol affects the function of the body and the brain. Through the pages of the Bible, our heavenly Father ‘teaches us to benefit ourselves,’ and he strongly cautions us against the abuse of strong drink. (Isaiah 48:17) Notice these frank warnings: “Do not be getting drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery.” (Ephesians 5:18) “Drunkards . . . will never inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Jerusalem Bible) God’s Word condemns “getting drunk, wild parties, and things similar to these.”—Galatians 5:19-21, Byington.
