The Spiritual Dangers of Overindulgence: Why Drunkenness Weakens Your Moral Judgment

It is written in the Zohar HaKadosh (Parashat Bereshit 45a):
“Rabbi Yitzchak said: Always”- meaning, there is no other way- "the evil inclination only gains power through food, drink, and the pleasure of wine.”

If your mind is calm and clear, the evil inclination has no power over you. Overindulgence in food, drink, and especially excessive wine, throws you off balance and causes you to act foolishly. This is the meaning of the verse: “The righteous person eats to satisfy his soul” (Proverbs 13:25).

The Zohar explains that a Torah scholar who drinks wine to the point of drunkenness is described by the verse: “Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout” (Proverbs 11:22).

We don’t judge a person for being in the middle of a difficult test or temptation and failing, because it's virtually impossible to overcome in the moment of overwhelming temptation.

Just like the evil inclination is stronger than you, so is drunkenness. If you're not fully conscious, you can’t be expected to make wise choices or resist sin.

The real question is not, why did you sin? Rather, why did you start drinking glass after glass of wine or strong liquor in the first place? Why did you begin consuming dangerous substances? Why did you bring yourself to a state where you were no longer in control of your actions?

Once you’ve reached the point where you are no longer in control, you will be held accountable for any foolish or sinful actions that follow. Not because you did them in that moment, but because you brought yourself into a state where such behavior became possible.

A Torah-observant person who is grounded, thoughtful, and emotionally centered, does not get drunk, lose themselves, or break down. If your life is good, peaceful, and full of purpose, what is there to run away from?

As it says: “A cheerful heart is a continual feast” (Proverbs 15:15).
A person with a good heart and a calm mind, feels better than even the most euphoric high of a drunk.

Wishing us all the strength to stay grounded, clear-minded, and truly joyful.