Does the Bible say anything about smoking—smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars?
Like so many issues that we face today, the Bible doesn’t directly address the issue of smoking. However, the Bible does set forth several important principles that can help us to think biblically about smoking.
First of all, the Bible teaches that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that we do not own our bodies. First Corinthians 6:19–20 states, “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? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Smoking has been shown to be harmful. I am responsible to stay as healthy and fit as possible. It is with the body that God has given me that I am to glorify Him. Anything that would harm my body and affect my ability to serve God should be avoided.
The second biblical principle is that we are responsible for our example. We want to do everything we can to set a good example to those around us. So, I have to ask myself, “Does smoking set a good example for those around me? Would I want my bad example to encourage someone else to follow my bad example?”
As Christians, we are to show the truth of the Christian life. The Christian life is to be one of discipline and one of love for others. If I smoke, I am certainly not being disciplined, nor am I showing love for others.
Thirdly, we are to be wise stewards of our resources. Cigarettes are very expensive. Is buying cigarettes the best use of our resources, or could our money be used for more wholesome purposes?
Should those of us who don’t smoke point fingers at those who do and lecture them?
Certainly not. Most of the smokers I know would really like to give up smoking. Giving them a lecture doesn’t inform them of anything that they don’t already know.
Any suggestions about kicking the habit?
First of all, smokers should realize that it is going to be a hard road. I used to smoke cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. It was not easy to give up. It’s impossible without the Lord’s help. And it’s impossible without developing a wise and effective strategy.