What does the Bible say about smoking? 5 things Christians need to know

“Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

Many Christians wonder whether smoking aligns with biblical teachings.

While the Bible doesn’t specifically mention smoking, it does offer principles that guide believers in making choices about their health and lifestyle.

From honoring the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit to avoiding actions that may harm oneself or others, the Bible provides wisdom for living a life that reflects care and responsibility.

In this article, we explore key biblical principles that can help answer the question: what does the Bible say about smoking?

Join us as we examine Scripture to better understand how faith and health choices intersect.

Biblical view on smoking

The Bible does not directly address smoking or the use of tobacco. However, it lays out clear principles that help us understand God’s view on such habits.

Life is a precious gift from God, and we are urged to respect and protect it. Smoking, being a leading cause of preventable death, contradicts this principle.

Moreover, smoking does not show love for our neighbors, exposing them to harmful secondhand smoke.

The call for holiness in the Bible further supports the stance against smoking, emphasizing cleanliness and purity of the body and spirit.

These biblical principles collectively suggest that smoking is viewed unfavorably in the eyes of God, aligning with unhealthy and unclean habits considered sinful.

5 biblical principles on health habits

1) Respecting the gift of life

The Bible teaches that life is a precious gift from God. This emphasizes the importance of respecting and nurturing the life we’ve been given.

On the other hand, engaging in smoking contradicts this teaching by significantly harming our health and potentially shortening our lifespan.

It’s not just about the act of smoking itself but about valuing the breath of life that God has breathed into us.

We are stewards of our bodies, which are capable of doing God’s work on Earth. Thus, treating our bodies with care is a form of gratitude towards the Creator for the gift of life.

2) Loving your neighbor

“You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39).

This commandment from Jesus encapsulates the essence of Christian living.

Smoking around others, exposing them to secondhand smoke, is contrary to this principle. It does not show love or consideration for their well-being but rather puts them at risk for diseases, some potentially fatal.

Loving your neighbor means respecting their health and space, choosing actions that promote their well-being as much as your own.

3) The pursuit of holiness

Holiness in the Bible isn’t just a lofty ideal. It’s about being set apart for God’s purposes.

And this, in turn, includes how we treat our bodies.

Smoking introduces toxins into the body, contradicting the biblical call to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1).

This might seem counter-intuitive in a culture that often prioritizes personal freedom over purity, but here’ the thing:

The biblical perspective asks us to consider not just what’s permissible, but what’s beneficial for spiritual growth and health.

4) Controlling your mind

How does your habit affect your mental clarity?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of a sound mind, fully capable of loving God and making wise decisions.

“Keep your senses completely.” (1 Peter 1:13) suggests that anything which impairs our judgment or controls us — like addiction to nicotine or other substances—is not in line with living a life fully aware and responsive to God’s guidance.

Reflecting on this can reveal whether our habits serve us or hinder us in our spiritual journey.

5) Obedience to secular laws

Finally, the Bible encourages Christians to respect and obey governmental laws unless they directly contradict God’s commands.

This includes laws regarding the use of drugs and substances like tobacco and marijuana.

In many places, these substances are regulated due to their impact on health and public safety.

By following these laws, Christians demonstrate respect for authority and concern for the common good, aligning their actions with biblical teachings on obedience and social responsibility.

Is smoking a sin?

“Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1)

The question of whether smoking is considered a sin in the Bible hinges on broader principles rather than specific prohibitions.

The scripture invites us to reflect on our habits and their impact on our spiritual and physical well-being.

The Bible’s guidance encourages us to evaluate:

• How our actions affect our health and the respect for the life given by God.
• The implications of our habits on our relationships with others, especially concerning the harm caused by secondhand smoke.
• Our commitment to holiness and purity, acknowledging that intentionally consuming harmful substances contradicts the call to treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.

This perspective challenges us to consider smoking not just in terms of personal preference, but as a matter of spiritual discipline and love for oneself and one’s neighbor.

What about other substances?

This guidance from the Bible extends its wisdom to the use of substances beyond tobacco, including recreational drugs like marijuana.

The scripture underlines the importance of obedience to secular laws, many of which regulate the use of such substances

. This adherence is not merely about legality but aligns with the biblical principles of loving God “with your whole mind” (Matthew 22:37, 38) and keeping our senses completely (1 Peter 1:13).

The emphasis on mental clarity and control reflects a broader biblical stance that anything impairing our ability to fully engage with our faith or community might be reconsidered.

• Respecting secular laws as part of our spiritual obedience.
• Maintaining mental clarity to love God fully.
• Considering the broader impact of our choices on our spiritual well-being.

These elements highlight how biblical teachings guide us in making choices about all substances.

Bible verses against drinking

When it comes to drinking, the Bible offers more explicit guidance.

While it does not prohibit the consumption of alcohol entirely, it strongly condemns drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). It suggests that excessive drinking can lead to a lack of self-control, which is discouraged in the scriptures (Galatians 5:22-23).

Just as with smoking, we can apply the principles of caring for our bodies and not allowing anything to master us to the issue of drinking.

If alcohol consumption harms our health or controls our actions, it could be seen as going against God’s will.

• Ephesians 5:18: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
• 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.”

Wrapping up: How can we stay holy

“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” (Romans 12:1)

The call to holiness is a profound theme throughout the Bible, urging us to live lives that are pleasing and acceptable to God.

This scripture invites us to consider our daily habits, including smoking or the use of other substances, through the lens of sanctity and purity.

It challenges us to ask ourselves:

• Are our actions contributing to a holy and pure life?
• How do our habits affect not only our health but also our spiritual well-being?

In striving for holiness, we’re reminded of the importance of cleansing ourselves “of every defilement of flesh and spirit” (2 Corinthians 7:1). This includes reevaluating habits that may harm our bodies or hinder our spiritual growth.

By embracing these principles, we can find guidance and inspiration in navigating decisions about smoking and other substances, aiming always to honor God with our bodies and spirits.