Enjoy a cozy evening filled with meaningful conversation, great company, and the delightful pairing of wine and cheese. The Bible offers plenty of verses that celebrate joy, fellowship, gratitude, and the goodness of life , many of which mention wine or feasting.
These scriptures remind us to appreciate God's blessings, embrace community, and savor moments of rest and celebration. Whether you're sharing a glass or just soaking in the atmosphere, these 21 verses will add a spiritual flavor to your evening.
1. The Gift of Wine: Psalm 104:14-15
"He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts."
This verse beautifully highlights wine as a gift from God, designed to bring joy and gladness to our hearts. It reminds us that the simple pleasures like wine, food, and oil are blessings crafted by the Creator to sustain and delight us. As you sip your wine, consider the divine provision and the joy that comes with it.
2. Wine to Refresh the Heart: Proverbs 31:6-7
"Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more."
Here, wine is pictured as a means of relief and comfort, especially in difficult times. While it’s not an endorsement of excess, it speaks to the role of wine in easing pain and refreshing the spirit. This verse can serve as a reminder that God provides various ways for healing, including the small comforts that help us endure hardship.
3. Rejoicing in God’s Creation: Ecclesiastes 3:13
"That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil, this is the gift of God."
This verse encourages us to find satisfaction and joy in the fruits of our labor, including the pleasures of eating and drinking. Wine and cheese nights perfectly embody this celebration of God’s gifts , a time to relax, enjoy, and appreciate the simple blessings after hard work.
4. Wine as a Symbol of Joy: Psalm 104:15
"…wine that gladdens human hearts…"
Wine here is explicitly connected to gladness and joy. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of celebration, fellowship, and the happiness found in God’s provision. Sharing a glass of wine with friends echoes this ancient truth of togetherness and joy.
5. Blessing the Cup: Psalm 23:5
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
This comforting verse speaks to abundance and blessing. The overflowing cup can easily be connected to a cup of wine, symbolizing God’s generous provision and favor. It reminds us that even amidst challenges, God provides an overflowing abundance of grace and joy.
6. The Vine and the Branches: John 15:5
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine to emphasize connection and life. Wine comes from grapes on the vine, so this verse highlights the importance of staying connected to Christ to bear spiritual fruit. Wine can be a reminder of that deep relationship that nourishes and sustains.
7. Wine for Celebration: Judges 9:13
"Should I stop giving my wine to those who drink it? Must I reserve it for those who are faint?"
This verse poetically affirms the use of wine for celebration and fellowship, not just for survival or the faint. It encourages us to enjoy wine responsibly as part of life's joyful moments, like a wine and cheese evening shared among friends.
8. The Lord Provides Abundance: Genesis 27:28
"May God give you heaven’s dew and earth’s richness, an abundance of grain and new wine."
Here, new wine is a sign of God’s blessing and abundance. The prayer is for prosperity and fruitful harvests. When you toast with wine, you can reflect on God’s generosity and the rich blessings He pours into our lives.
9. Moderation and Wisdom: Ephesians 5:18
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit."
This verse reminds us to enjoy wine with wisdom and moderation. While wine can be a source of joy and fellowship, it’s important to drink responsibly and remain mindful of God’s Spirit guiding us. Balance is key to a joyful, healthy life.
10. The Wedding at Cana: John 2:1-11 (Summary)
Jesus turns water into wine at a wedding feast, demonstrating His glory and blessing celebration.
This well-known miracle marks the first public sign of Jesus’ ministry and underscores the sacredness of celebration. Wine here symbolizes joy, transformation, and God’s blessing on gatherings, making it perfect for any wine and cheese evening reflection.
11. A Cheerful Heart is Good Medicine: Proverbs 17:22
"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."
Enjoying wine and good company lifts our spirits, bringing joy that heals and refreshes. This verse highlights the importance of a joyful heart, which wine and fellowship can foster in a wholesome, uplifting way.
12. Wine in the New Testament Fellowship: 1 Timothy 5:23
"Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses."
Paul advises Timothy to use wine medicinally, showing early Christian acceptance of wine for health and wellness. This practical advice reminds us that wine has long been part of a balanced, healthy life.
13. The Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."
While not about wine directly, this verse offers qualities to bring to any gathering. Enjoying wine with these fruits in mind ensures fellowship filled with love, joy, and peace, making every sip sweeter.
14. The Promise of Joy: Isaiah 55:12
"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands."
This poetic verse reminds us that joy and peace flow from God’s presence. A wine and cheese evening is an opportunity to embrace that joy and peace in community and gratitude.
15. God’s Table Prepared: Revelation 19:9
"Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!"
The ultimate celebration is the heavenly feast with Christ. This verse ties earthly celebrations like a wine and cheese night to the hope and joy of eternal fellowship with God.
16. Wine as a Symbol of Covenant: Jeremiah 31:12
"They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD, the grain, the new wine, and the olive oil."
New wine here symbolizes God’s covenant blessings and the joy that comes from His provision. Sharing wine reminds us of the promises God keeps and the abundance He shares.
17. A Time to Eat and Drink: Ecclesiastes 8:15
"So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad."
This verse is a beautiful reminder to savor life’s pleasures. A wine and cheese night is a perfect way to embrace this encouragement and celebrate the gift of living.
18. Wine and Music: Psalm 104:33
"I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."
Wine and cheese evenings often include music and laughter. This verse connects celebration with worship, reminding us to glorify God in joyful moments.
19. The Lord is My Shepherd: Psalm 23:1-3
"The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul."
Wine and cheese offer physical refreshment, and this verse assures spiritual refreshment through God’s care, making the evening a holistic experience of renewal.
20. The Blessing of Hospitality: Romans 12:13
"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
Wine and cheese evenings are acts of hospitality that reflect God’s love. This verse encourages welcoming others with generosity, making gatherings sacred opportunities to bless one another.
21. God’s Peace in Fellowship: Philippians 4:7
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
As you enjoy wine and cheese with friends, this verse reassures that God’s peace will be with you, guarding your heart in the richness of fellowship and joy.
Anne Kostick has been Editor-in-Chief since September 2007. Previously, Anne was a principal at Foxpath IND, a publishing, consulting and editorial services company specializing in the transition to and from traditional content publishing and online content management, development and publishing. Her clients included trade book publishers, technology and financial services Web sites, and arts and cultural institutions. Previously, she worked as Licensing and Product Development Director, Senior Acquisitions Editor and Director of Electronic Publishing for Workman Publishing, and as Senior Acquisitions Editor for Harry N. Abrams/Stewart, Tabori & Chang. In the online world she worked as Director of Content Development for Vitaminshoppe.com. Anne has a B.A. in Greek and Latin, with a minor in Theater, from Beloit College. She is the author of several books for children, as well as a definitive collection of jokes.