One characteristic of church leaders, mentioned in both lists of qualifications of elders, is a negative one, namely not given to drinking too much wine. This is the second post in a series on the key qualities of church leaders – let’s dig in.

In the letter to Titus, it comes in the list here (Tit 1:7) –

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard… (ESV)

δεῖ γὰρ τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἀνέγκλητον εἶναι ὡς θεοῦ οἰκονόμον, μὴ αὐθάδη, μὴ ὀργίλον, μὴ πάροινον… (THGNT)

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, it appears at this point (1 Tim 3:2–3) –

2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent… (ESV)

2 δεῖ οὖν τὸν ἐπίσκοπον ἀνεπίλημπτον εἶναι, μιᾶς γυναικὸς ἄνδρα, νηφάλιον, σώφρονα, κόσμιον, φιλόξενον, διδακτικόν, 3 μὴ πάροινον, μὴ πλήκτην… (THGNT)

The meaning of the term paroinos (πάροινος) is clear enough. One dictionary says “pert[aining] to one who is given to drinking too much wine, addicted to wine, drunken” (BDAG). Another says this: “a person who habitually drinks too much and thus becomes a drunkard” (Louw—Nida). (For those who are interested, another dictionary takes the prefix of παρά here as meaning “near” or “at hand.” The most basic idea, then, would be someone who has wine readily near at hand. A fitting picture, no?)

Two main questions may be addressed here. How much is too much? And what are the dangers of drinking too much anyway?

Before answering the questions, we can note that this adjective only appears twice in the New Testament (that is, in these lists). It does not at all appear in ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament.

Generally, to understand the sense of the adjective paroinos, we will want to do a broader thematic study of drunkenness in the Scriptures.

Are we only speaking about wine? Not at all. At two points in his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul speaks about drunkards (using another term, methusos – μέθυσος), in a way that is more inclusive. He says those who are drunkards cannot inherit the kingdom of God. And, in fact, he says that true believers should not mingle or freely associate with those who call themselves believers, but are drunkards. From this letter, we see that not only are we talking about drunkenness from more than just wine, but also we are dealing here with a serious, moral failing.

What happens when a leader gets drunk? Many things go out of order. Consider Noah. A righteous man by all accounts (Gen 6:9, 7:1; 2 Pet 2:5) – his righteousness before God and walking in relationship with his Maker has in fact preserved all human life, as well as land animals and birds – he nevertheless gave himself to too much wine at one point in his life (Gen 9:20–26). The failure was epoch-making. He undressed himself. One of his three sons spoke poorly of and/or mistreated his father in that condition – one way or another (it is possible that “seeing” another’s “nakedness” in Gen 9:22 is a euphemism for extreme misconduct, see Lev 20:17). The result? A great curse fell upon this son’s offspring. And a fissure appeared between the survivors of the global flood.

Drunkenness leads to a loss of propriety, a loss of self-control. Things may likely go farther than you ever dreamed. And decent relations will be spoiled. Rather than leading others by example, drunken leaders inspire those who follow them into yet further depths of depravity.

In a similar vein, the second man to appear intoxicated in the Scriptures, Lot, also a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7), nevertheless does things in his drunken state that burst all boundaries of propriety (Gen 19:30–38). He allows himself to enter into such a drunken state that he is sexually mistreated by a daughter. And Lot falls into this trap — twice. What is the result? Children are born who, in turn, ultimately sire nations that are at enmity with God and his people. Lot’s careless drunken stupor has loooooong lasting consequences. In fact, his only offspring turn into enemies of the offspring of Abraham – the uncle who interceded for his salvation from Sodom’s fiery destruction!

Beware, leaders. Drunkenness will often lead to sexual misconduct. The results are not pretty. The consequences are long-lasting. You can’t go back.

We have looked at but the first two instances of drunkenness in the Bible. And time does not permit a thorough study. Still, we have seen just how catastrophic one episode of drunkenness can be for a righteous leader. Let’s look at one more.

In his pride, Belshazzar, ruler of Babylon, while under the influence of wine at a grand feast with his noblemen, acted in haughtiness against the Lord Most High. (He used holy vessels, captured from the Lord’s temple in Jerusalem, in a pagan worship ritual.) The result? A fearsome, heavenly hand appeared and wrote a message to him on the wall (Dan 5:5). A prophet, Daniel, called in to interpret, stated boldly: you will die tonight! And this kingdom will be divided. Being drunk can lead you to do things that have severe, even eternal consequences. Be on your guard!

Proverbs 31 is particularly relevant. (Thanks to a colleague, who has pointed to it, offering helpful thoughts.) Lemuel, king of Massa, cites his mother’s wisdom (Prov 31:4–5) –

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,

it is not for kings to drink wine,

or for rulers to take strong drink,

5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed

and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. (ESV)

Rulers who misuse alcohol are in danger of: an impaired memory; abandoning wisdom; lacking clarity; inability to make correct rulings (including, possibly, bursts of rage); numbness to the sufferings of others, especially the “afflicted” (Hebrew: b’nei ʿoni – בני עני).

So, how much wine is too much? If you find that your ability to make clear, sound decisions has been affected, that is already too much. (You do not need to pass out or be unable to walk.) Enjoy good wine. Don’t misuse it. And repent to the Lord, if you have. He is merciful.

One more indication of when you may be habitually drinking too much is that your mind throughout the day returns to getting your next drink. In a section on the proverbial drunkard, Proverbs says this about a heart that is tethered to drink (Proverbs 35:35) –

35 “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt;

they beat me, but I did not feel it.

When shall I awake?

I must have another drink.” (ESV)

Of course, thinking about having a glass of wine is not sin – how could it be? But when the matter is persistent in a person’s heart, then a lust has taken a root. You may not lie awake at night longing for your next drink. (If you do, repent and seek help. God is merciful.) But your mind may still be preoccupied with it in an unhealthy way. This is a sensitive question. In many cases, only you will truly know if you have an unhealthy desire. Take the matter to prayer. Allow the Lord to search your heart (Psalm 139:23–25). Be honest before Him.

Today, all too often, there seems to be a certain joy in the throwing off of what are perceived to be the moral “shackles” of an earlier generation. This holds true, too, within the church. Where gambling, tattoos, tobacco, even marijuana was previously shunned, it can now be in vogue to be a Christian who engages in these things. The overuse of alcohol, too, today in some circles may not be taken to be such a big deal.

However, Scripture does not change from age to age. The standard holds firm: those who persistently abuse alcohol disqualify themselves for church leadership. Hopefully that is not you. If it is – repent. God is merciful. Return to the God who loves you. Receive his embrace. Get help. If necessary, step down from leadership (for a season). (Apologize, too, to your congregation for what you have done. This is a kindness to them.) There is no shame in heaven over this — only joy at a beloved son, who has been sinning, who now repents (Luke 15:7, 10, 22–24). Take the time to learn why this sin has a root in you. Don’t run quickly past it. Let someone into your life that you trust, who can walk alongside you as you come into victory over this lust that grips you. The One who called you is faithful – and he will do this for you. But, you may need to step down (for a season) so that the sheep of the flock are not in danger from whatever poor decisions you may make (and from temperamentality).

But please remember this: the Lord is quick to restore! He is a bounding and mercy. Just look at the example of Peter, how the Lord Jesus restored him (John 21, Acts 1–2)! In quick order, he was back on his feet, leading the early Christians once again!

Is it someone you know? Are you willing to love enough to confront him on this? If he doesn’t listen, the first time, are you committed to loving him enough to bring another brother with you and confront again (Matt 18)? Are you prepared, if he still will not listen, to escalate the matter to the level of higher church authorities? How much do you love the sheep, and their Lord? How much do you truly love his man? Please seek the true peace of the flock, not the superficial peace of “peaceable” relations with a longterm friend you have known for ages. Remember that this over this Church the Lord Jesus himself is the Head. Please submit yourself to his Lordship.

Caring for the flock means making sure that the shepherds you know, personally, if they have disqualified themselves, are either brought to repentance or, if they will not change, are removed from their leadership positions. We must love God more than our friends. To love God is to love his sheep, to be sure that crooked shepherds are not allowed continued access to them.

Lastly, let us remember that wine is a great gift from God. Psalm 103:1–2 says this:

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits… (ESV)

Then the next psalm says this (Psalm 104:14–15):

14 You cause the grass to grow for the livestock

and plants for man to cultivate,

that he may bring forth food from the earth

15 and wine to gladden the heart of man,

oil to make his face shine

and bread to strengthen man’s heart. (ESV)

God blesses us all with good things, including wine. And it is through wine, the fruit of the vine, that the Lord Jesus Christ has made a new covenant with us (Luke 22:20):

And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (ESV)

καὶ τὸ ποτήριον ὡσαύτως μετὰ τὸ δειπνῆσαι λέγων· τοῦτο τὸ ποτήριον ἡ καινὴ διαθήκη ἐν τῷ αἵματί μου τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐκχυννόμενον. (THGNT)

(This is alcoholic wine, of course, dear brothers, because later some believers were getting drunk at the Lord’s supper — see 1 Corinthians 11:21.)

Let us then enjoy wine and other fermented drink – thanking God for the gift – while using it responsibly and honourably.

(Slight edits were made – and one paragraph added – a few minutes after publishing.)