Topical Encyclopedia
Tippling refers to the act of drinking alcohol, especially in small quantities, often associated with habitual or excessive consumption. In the context of the Bible, the topic of alcohol consumption, including tippling, is addressed with caution and wisdom. The Scriptures provide guidance on the use of wine and strong drink, emphasizing moderation and the avoidance of drunkenness.
Biblical References and ContextThe Bible contains numerous references to wine and strong drink, acknowledging both their use and potential for abuse. In the Old Testament, wine is often depicted as a symbol of joy and blessing. For instance,
Psalm 104:14-15 states, "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart."
However, the Scriptures also warn against the dangers of excessive drinking.
Proverbs 20:1 cautions, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This verse highlights the potential for alcohol to lead individuals astray, impairing judgment and leading to unwise decisions.
The New Testament continues this theme, urging believers to exercise self-control and avoid drunkenness.
Ephesians 5:18 advises, "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Here, the apostle Paul contrasts the effects of drunkenness with the filling of the Holy Spirit, encouraging believers to seek spiritual fulfillment rather than indulgence in alcohol.
Moral and Spiritual ImplicationsFrom a moral and spiritual perspective, tippling can be seen as a behavior that detracts from one's ability to live a disciplined and godly life. The Bible calls for believers to exhibit self-control, a fruit of the Spirit as outlined in
Galatians 5:22-23 : "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
The potential for tippling to lead to drunkenness and its associated behaviors is a concern for Christians seeking to live in accordance with biblical principles. Drunkenness is often linked with other sinful behaviors, as seen in
Galatians 5:19-21 , where it is listed among the "acts of the flesh" that are contrary to the Spirit.
Practical ConsiderationsIn practical terms, Christians are encouraged to be mindful of their influence on others, particularly in matters of alcohol consumption.
Romans 14:21 advises, "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything to cause your brother to stumble." This principle of considering the impact of one's actions on fellow believers is central to Christian ethics.
Furthermore, leaders within the church are held to a higher standard regarding alcohol.
1 Timothy 3:2-3 outlines the qualifications for overseers, stating, "An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money."
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not prohibit the consumption of alcohol outright, it provides clear guidance on the importance of moderation and the avoidance of drunkenness. Believers are called to exercise self-control, consider their influence on others, and prioritize their spiritual well-being over indulgence in alcohol.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Tipple.
Greek
3943. paroinos -- given to wine, drunken... drunken, given to wine. From para and oinos; staying near wine, ie
Tippling (a toper) -- given to wine. see GREEK para. see GREEK oinos.
...Library
"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
... conversation, mention was made of the gross and open profanation of that sacred
day, by persons buying and selling, keeping open shop,tippling in alehouses...
Of the Reign and Piety of Jovianus
... Jovian was also a decided Christian," but "even the heathen soldiers condemned his
low amours and vulgartippling." Gwatkin, "Arian Controversy," 119....
The True Manner of Keeping Holy the Lord's Day.
... and consider whether dancing, stage-playing, masking, carding, dicing, tabling,
chess-playing, bowling, shooting, bear-baiting, carousing,tippling, and such...
Sunday after Ascension Day
... in this respect, as if they had secured their nobility, their shield and helmet,
by the very fact that they exceed others in the shamelessness of theirtippling...
On Drinking.
... The Scripture, accordingly, has named wine the symbol of the sacred blood; [1374]
but reproving the basetippling with the dregs of wine, it says: "Intemperate...
Conflicts of the Church with Public Wrongs.
... the public morals in respect to temperance were from the beginning guarded by salutary
license laws devised to suppress all dram-shops andtippling-houses, and...
Index.
... St. Lawrence, the, 17. Salem, 90, 96. Saloons,tippling, 285, 288. Saltonstall,
Gurdon, 132, 133. Salvation Army, 370. Salzburgers, 37, 124, 125....
After the War.
... zeal, "women's crusades" were undertaken, especially in some western towns, in which
bands of singing and praying women went in person totippling-houses and...
Several Ways of Controverting his Quibbling Syllogisms.
... If this had been said in a tavern, what laughter and applause would have broken
from thetippling circle over so fine and exquisite a joke!...
On Infants' Early Deaths.
... president can secure that perfect order shall prevail, if possible, at the board
throughout, and that the evil sights of surfeiting,tippling, and tipsiness...
Thesaurus
Tippling (1 Occurrence)... & vb. n.) of Tipple. Multi-Version Concordance
Tippling (1 Occurrence). Matthew
11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they exclaim, 'See this man!
...Tiphsah (2 Occurrences)
Yet (1244 Occurrences)
... given to gluttony andtippling, and a friend of tax-gatherers and notorious sinners!'
And yet Wisdom is vindicated by her actions." (WEY NAS RSV)....
Vindicated (10 Occurrences)
... given to gluttony andtippling, and a friend of tax-gatherers and notorious sinners!'
And yet Wisdom is vindicated by her actions." (WEY NAS)....
Notorious (16 Occurrences)
... given to gluttony andtippling, and a friend of tax-gatherers and notorious
sinners!' And yet Wisdom is vindicated by her actions." (WEY)....
Gluttony (2 Occurrences)
... given to gluttony andtippling, and a friend of tax-gatherers and notorious
sinners!' And yet Wisdom is vindicated by her actions." (WEY)....
Tax-gatherers (16 Occurrences)
... given to gluttony andtippling, and a friend of tax-gatherers and notorious sinners!'
And yet Wisdom is vindicated by her actions." (WEY DBY YLT)....
Tips (2 Occurrences)
Exclaim (2 Occurrences)
... given to gluttony andtippling, and a friend of tax-gatherers and notorious
sinners!' And yet Wisdom is vindicated by her actions." (WEY)....
Actions (62 Occurrences)
... given to gluttony andtippling, and a friend of tax-gatherers and notorious sinners!'
And yet Wisdom is vindicated by her actions." (WEY NIV)....
Resources
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