Sobriety

Clear-mindedness and self-restraint, particularly regarding alcohol. Proverbs 20:1 warns, 'Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.' Proverbs 23:29-35 vividly describes alcohol's dangers. Ephesians 5:18 contrasts being 'drunk on wine' with being 'filled with the Spirit.' Church leaders must not be 'given to drunkenness' (1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7). First Peter 5:8 urges, 'Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.' Romans 13:13 calls for living 'decently, not in carousing and drunkenness.' Sobriety enables discernment and readiness for Christ's return.