In today’s world, drug use and smoking are common struggles that affect people physically, emotionally, and spiritually. While the Bible doesn’t mention “drugs” or “smoking” directly, it gives clear principles on how we should treat our bodies, make wise choices, and live in a way that honors God.
These habits can harm our health, cloud our judgment, and hinder our spiritual growth.
God’s Word teaches us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, that we should avoid being mastered by anything, and that we should live sober-minded and self-controlled lives.
In this article, we’ll explore 35 Bible verses about drugs and smoking, each with a short explanation to help you understand how Scripture addresses these issues and offers hope for freedom.
35 Bible Verses About Drugs And Smoking
1. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
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.
Explanation: Our bodies belong to God, and we should avoid anything that harms them, including drug abuse and smoking.
2. 1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Explanation: Every action should bring glory to God, including how we care for our health.
3. Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery… and the like. I warn you… that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Explanation: Drug abuse often leads to behaviors that align with the “acts of the flesh,” which Scripture warns against.
4. 1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Explanation: Sobriety helps us resist spiritual attacks, something drugs and smoking can weaken.
5. Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you… to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Explanation: Our bodies are to be dedicated to God’s service, not damaged by harmful substances.
6. Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Explanation: This principle applies to all addictive substances, including drugs and nicotine.
7. 1 Corinthians 6:12
“I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything.
Explanation: Addiction allows substances to master us, which goes against God’s design for freedom.
8. Titus 2:12
It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives.
Explanation: God’s grace empowers us to resist temptations like drug use and smoking.
9. Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Explanation: Through Christ’s strength, we can overcome addictions and unhealthy habits.
10. Proverbs 25:28
Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.
Explanation: Lack of self-control leaves us vulnerable to harmful habits.
11. Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Explanation: Being filled with the Spirit leaves no room for being controlled by substances.
12. 2 Corinthians 7:1
Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit.
Explanation: We should avoid anything that pollutes our physical and spiritual health.
13. Romans 13:13-14
Let us behave decently… not in carousing and drunkenness… Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Explanation: Following Christ calls us to live in purity and avoid addictive lifestyles.
14. 1 Timothy 4:8
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things.
Explanation: While fitness matters, godliness is our ultimate priority, guiding us to care for our bodies.
15. Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.
Explanation: Addiction can become a “master” that competes with our devotion to God.
16. Isaiah 55:2
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Explanation: Drugs and smoking waste resources without providing lasting fulfillment.
17. Psalm 34:14
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Explanation: Choosing to turn from destructive habits aligns with God’s will for our lives.
18. Proverbs 4:14-15
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked… Avoid it, do not travel on it.
Explanation: We should avoid environments and influences that encourage harmful substance use.
19. Romans 6:12
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.
Explanation: Addiction gives sin control over our bodies, which we must resist.
20. James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Explanation: Spiritual surrender to God helps us resist temptation.
21. Psalm 119:37
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
Explanation: Drugs and smoking are “worthless things” that harm life rather than preserve it.
22. Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Explanation: Our actions should reflect Christ’s character, which includes caring for our health.
23. Hebrews 12:1
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
Explanation: Addictions are burdens we must release to run the race of faith effectively.
24. 1 John 2:16
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh… comes not from the Father but from the world.
Explanation: The cravings of addiction come from worldly desires, not God.
25. Proverbs 23:20-21
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat…
Explanation: Overindulgence in any form is warned against, including substance abuse.
26. 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
Explanation: Staying sober-minded keeps us spiritually alert.
27. Psalm 101:3
I will not look with approval on anything that is vile.
Explanation: We should avoid approving or participating in harmful activities.
28. 1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Explanation: Our relationships can influence our choices regarding drugs and smoking.
29. 1 Peter 1:13
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober… set your hope on the grace to be brought to you.
Explanation: A clear mind is essential for living in hope and holiness.
30. Proverbs 16:32
Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
Explanation: Self-control is more valuable than worldly strength.
31. Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.
Explanation: Prayer is key in overcoming addictive behaviors.
32. Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.
Explanation: God’s plans for us are filled with life and hope, not destruction.
33. Psalm 141:4
Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds.
Explanation: We should pray for God’s protection from harmful cravings.
34. Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is… self-control.
Explanation: A Spirit-filled life produces the discipline to resist harmful habits.
35. John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life.
Explanation: Jesus offers abundant life, which addiction tries to steal away.
Final Thoughts on Drugs and Smoking
These 35 Bible verses about drugs and smoking show that God calls us to care for our bodies, live in self-control, and avoid being enslaved by harmful habits. While breaking free from addiction may feel impossible, God’s power, grace, and truth make it possible to live in freedom.
Which of these verses spoke to you the most today? Share your thoughts or testimonies in the comments—you might inspire someone else on their journey to freedom.