Sober and Sound

Being sober is, of course, the opposite of being drunk. While conceding that the Bible does not forbid its moderate use, the abuse of alcohol is condemned. Many are convinced that the Bible condones social drinking and refer to several scriptures to make their case.

In combating any dangers, Paul uses two terms repeatedly to highlight attributes a disciple will need in his arsenal. The first is ‘soundness’, a term with a sense of being whole, complete, or fully functioning. This is how doctrine and speech should be. A bishop must hold, first, the faithful word, so that he is able by sound doctrine to exhort and convince the gainsayers (Titus 1:9). He must show himself an example, with sound speech that cannot be condemned.

A second attribute for the disciple is ‘sobriety’. Unlike the drunk – out of control, not fully aware of what is going on, feeling that everything is good and that he is more capable than is in fact the case – the sober disciple is alert, quick, able to assess and reason and make sensible decisions. The aged men must be sober, grace and temperate (Titus 2:2). Drinking harms the body (1 Cor 6:19,20). The aged women likewise, that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands and children. Drinking attacks homes, causes suicide, murder, child abuse and assaults in the home (wife-beating plus or minus divorce). Young men likewise, Titus exhorts to be sober-minded (v 6). Drinking leads to other ills (1 Thes 5:22).

The first parts of the brain to be put to sleep by alcohol are those areas associated with judgement, self-control and reason. Alcohol breaks down inhibitions and contributes to immoral behaviour, including sexual promiscuity; it is a factor in crime, prostitution, gambling and drug addiction. The grace of God has appeared teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly (Titus 2:11,12).

Bro Jacktone Ukiru (Ndhiwa, Kenya)