What does the Bible say
What Does the Bible Say About Smoking?
The Bible never mentions smoking, but it gives principles that speak to it: our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit to be honoured, we should not be mastered by anything, and we are to steward the life God gave us. These truths guide us with wisdom and grace rather than a specific rule, calling us to care for the bodies entrusted to us.
What Scripture says
Here are real verses on smoking, each in the King James Version, with a word on what it means.
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV)
Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God.
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.1 Corinthians 6:20 (KJV)
Ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit.
All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.1 Corinthians 6:12 (KJV)
All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV)
Whether ye eat or drink, do all to the glory of God.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.Romans 12:1 (KJV)
Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.Galatians 5:23 (KJV)
The fruit of the Spirit includes temperance and self-control.
What this means for you today
Since Scripture does not name smoking, it invites us to apply its wisdom: to honour our bodies as God's temple, to avoid being controlled by any habit, and to steward our health for his glory and for love of those around us.
This is a matter for thoughtful conscience rather than harsh judgment. If you struggle to stop, God does not condemn you; he offers grace and strength, and seeking practical help is a wise and caring step toward freedom.
The deepest answer is Jesus
Jesus gives new life and the strength to be free from what controls us, caring for the whole person, body and soul.
Every one of these Scriptures points beyond itself to a Person. The deepest answer the Bible gives to any human need is not a rule or a technique but Jesus Christ, who came, lived, died, and rose again so that you could be forgiven and brought home to God. He said, Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Whatever you are carrying, you do not have to carry it alone, and you do not have to make yourself clean first. You can come to him today, just as you are.
This is the good news the whole Bible is telling. We were made for God, we have all turned from him and gone our own way, and none of us can fix that on our own. But God did not leave us there. Out of love he sent his Son to take our place, bearing our wrong on the cross and rising again to open the way back to the Father. Everyone who turns to Jesus and trusts him is forgiven, given new life, and welcomed as a beloved child of God, held by a love that will never let go. That is why the Bible's answer to every topic on this page finally leads here. You can respond right now, in your own words, simply telling God you need him and asking Jesus to be your Saviour and Lord. He hears the honest prayer of anyone who comes.
Common questions
What does the Bible say about smoking?
The Bible never mentions smoking, but it gives principles that speak to it: our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit to be honoured, we should not be mastered by anything, and we are to steward the life God gave us. These truths guide us with wisdom and grace rather than a specific rule, calling us to care for the bodies entrusted to us.
What does the Bible say about smoking?
It does not mention smoking but teaches that our bodies are God's temple to be honoured (1 Corinthians 6:19), that we should not be mastered by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12), and that we should glorify God in our bodies.
Is smoking a sin?
Scripture gives no direct rule, but its principles, honouring the body as God's temple and not being controlled by habits (1 Corinthians 6:12, 19), guide us with wisdom and grace. God offers help and freedom, not condemnation.
Come and see for yourself
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