A LITTLE WINE. 1st Timothy 5:23. It is possible that Timothy had some health issues that Paul was aware of. He offered Timothy personal advice about the dangers of the water in various places where he traveled. The role of a servant of the Lord is such that he should be aware of both his physical and spiritual well-being and take care of himself. Anything that causes poor health should be avoided, and those things that help maintain good health, even "a little wine," should be used. This does not mean that drinking wine excessively, to the point where our judgment and self-control are impaired, is ever acceptable in any way. We often do not truly know a person until quite a long time has passed. Both hidden sins and overt sins need time to be revealed, including addictions and basic behaviors.
Many things in nature benefit us. Some can be helpful, and others can be dangerous. Not all water is safe to drink when you travel. At times, it is best to drink something else to keep our bodies safe. Things that pass through our body’s natural filters are generally safe to drink, but even the juices of some fruits make one stop to think, “Is this safe, though it tastes good? Be sure there is no germicide in it.” So, you consider the health issues – digestive problems that might occur and set them aside.
In the wine available in most places, there is a percentage of alcohol. This was apparently what Timothy needed for health when Paul encouraged him to drink it. Paul made it clear through the Holy Spirit: a little wine was enough to address his digestive needs (it is even beneficial when we have a cold). This verse does not suggest social drinking in any way. The bacteria-killing alcohol helped maintain Timothy’s health daily.
Using this verse as proof that the Bible approves of drinking wine and bringing a bottle to the table at meals is out of context. Many passages in the Bible warn about the serious consequences of drinking wine for pleasure. We know that alcohol often leads to offenses against the law because one is influenced by another spirit, whose goal is to make a person reach for a drink whenever it is near.
Consuming alcohol often lowers one’s guard. Sometimes, people lose control when they are under its influence. Homes, work, and even the mind and soul are affected. Never see wine as a solution to depression. Use it as intended – to meet medicinal needs. Carefully measure the “little wine” needed to find relief and pay attention to what the scriptures say about it. Then, you will benefit physically and protect your soul from harm. A “little wine” can help you; from a lot of wine, you should stay away.