The Bible does not explicitly mention smoking or tobacco use, so there is no direct command or prohibition regarding smoking. However, biblical principles can be applied to the practice:
- Smoking is linked to addiction, and the Bible teaches that believers should not be "mastered" or controlled by anything, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:12. If smoking leads to addiction, it would be considered problematic.
- Believers are told to honor God with their bodies, which are described as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Since smoking is widely recognized as harmful to health, knowingly damaging one's body conflicts with this principle.
- Smoking around others can harm them through secondhand smoke, which goes against the biblical principle to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39).
- The Bible encourages holiness, and smoking introduces toxins into the body, which is seen as inconsistent with being holy and pure (Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 7:1).
- Overall, while not named directly, smoking is often viewed through biblical principles emphasizing self-control, love for others, respect for one’s body, and holiness.
In summary, the Bible's message about smoking is inferred through teachings on addiction, the body as God's temple, loving others, and living a holy life rather than through any direct mention of smoking.
