“Is smoking a sin? Is it condemned in the Bible?”

QUESTION: Is smoking a sin? Is it directly condemned in the Bible?

ANSWER: Smoking is not directly condemned anywhere in the Bible. In fact, smoking was unknown at the time the Bible was written, at least in that part of the world directly mentioned in the Bible. Tobacco was used by North American natives, especially for ceremonial purposes, and introduced to Europe more than 400 years ago. Interestingly, one of the first papers ever to appear against smoking was written by King James 1 of England, the one who commissioned the translation of the Bible referred to as the King James Version.

In light of the above, rather than answering the above questions directly, let’s answer some others using only God’s Word, trusting that the Scriptures will help the reader decide.

1. Is smoking helpful and edifying to others? “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being” (1 Cor. 10:23-24 NKJV).
2. Can I thank God for what I smoke and then smoke it to the glory of God? “But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks? Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:30-31).
3. Will my smoking offend others, or will it help to bring them salvation? “Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” (1 Cor. 10:32-33).
4. Am I smoking with a bad conscience or am I smoking by faith? “Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin” (Rom. 14:22-23).
5. Has my smoking become a habit that is difficult to break? “All things are lawful for me ... but I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Cor. 6:12).
6. Would the Lord Jesus smoke if He were in my position? “Jesus said ... ‘I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him’” (Jn. 8:28-29). “For even Christ did not please Himself” (Rom. 15:3). “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me” (Mt. 11:29).

Many similar questions could be asked, but the Word of God and the example of our Lord Jesus should speak volumes to our hearts. May we not focus on what we may do or what we are forbidden to do, as this is a legalistic way of approach, and God’s Word tells us we are not under law. Rather, may our constant aim be to please Him!

By Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.