Bible Question:

Where does it tell us not to smoke in the Bible?I have a big problem with quitting. I recently quit for 2 1/2 months and then I gained 18 lbs. It occurred to me that gluttony is a “Thou shall not” but smoking is not a “Thou shall not” so I started again in order to lose the ugly fat. Why do Christians think that smoking is a sin or do they think it is a sin? Some have told me it is not a sin. On the other hand others say we should not, but stop short of calling it a sin to smoke. What is the truth? Where can I find this truth in the Bible?

Bible Answer:

The only reference to smoking in the Bible occurs in Genesis,

And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. Genesis 24:64. (KJV)

That is supposed to be a joke since “Camel” was or is a brand of cigarettes that allows a person to inhale nicotine.

Now a serious answer to the question, “Does the Bible prohibit smoking tobacco or cannabis?” is “No!” That is, the Bible does not mention or explicitly prohibit smoking tobacco or cannabis. The Bible does not use the words “smoking,” “tobacco,” or “cannabis.” Therefore, what follows are biblical principles that apply to smoking tobacco or cannabis.

Bible Prohibit Smoking Tobacco and Cannibas?

Nothing Is To Become Our God, But the True God

God never prohibits eating, but He does prohibit gluttony. God does not prohibit drinking, but He does prohibit drunkenness. Proverbs 23:21 clearly condemns the heavy drinker and glutton.

For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. Proverbs 23:21 (NASB)

Luke 17:26-28 reveals that God never prohibits eating, drinking, marriage, selling, planting, or boiling. But it does condemn us when we are given to these things.

And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: they were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same as happened in the days of Lot: they were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building . . . Luke 17:26-28 (NASB)

They are sinful activities when we are controlled by them. God condemns such activities when they become our gods.

That is the important passage of Philippians 3:18-19.

For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite. Philippians 3:18-19 (NASB)

This passage warns us against letting our appetites control us. The Greek word for “appetite” is koilia. It refers to much more than an appetite for food. The word refers to passions or impulses for anything. The old saying, “Food and drink for the stomach” is close to the meaning of this word. The word can include a passion for food, drink, sex, and any other bodily desires. This gives us a divine principle that states nothing is to become our god, but the true God.

Does the Bible Prohibit Smoking Tobacco or Cannabis?

God never, anywhere explicitly says, “Do not smoke.” But then smoking tobacco or cannabis is never mentioned in the Bible.  The Bible does not mention many other items either. Therefore the divine principle that states nothing is to become our god must guide us. Consequently, the question is, “Does smoking tobacco or cannabis control you? Is it your god?”

All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 (NASB)

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NASB)

Did you notice the phrase, “self-control in all things”? We need to know what controls us. For some people, food controls them. For others, it may be sex, recreation, Coca Cola or pornography.  So, Does smoking tobacco or cannabis control you? What controls you other than the Holy Spirit? Whatever it is, STOP it!

Nationally recognized, professional medical organizations report that tobacco and marijuana or cannabis is highly addictive. They will become a god to whoever uses them. The highly respected, medical website, WebMD, reports this about marijuana.

After alcohol, marijuana is the second most popular mind-altering drug in the U.S., according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Marijuana use disorder, also known as cannabis use disorder, is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as marijuana use that interferes with daily life. Untreated marijuana use disorder could disrupt your work, relationships, legal standing, and life goals.[1]

Conclusion:

Here is a simple test. If you cannot stop smoking tobacco or using cannibas, then it has become your god. There should be only one thing that controls you. What is it? God desires that only His Holy Spirit control us (Ephesians 5:17-18) and nothing else.

 

References:

1. Neha Kashyap. Is Marijuana Addictive? WebMD.com. January 13, 2021.

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