alt="Perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you." (Doctrine and Covenants 6:35)Generally when we think of the word "sober," we simply think not drunk. It turns out that is an important definition of sober, but the word has a much deeper meaning as it is used in the scriptures. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, soberness is characterized by the absence of excess or indulgence.A sober person is grave, serious, solemn, having or implying a serious mind or purpose. A sober person is also quiet or sedate in demeanor, dignified or discreet in deportment and of a serious character. A sober person shows no trace of haste or impatience and is free from harshness and violence and is of a moderate disposition, not readily excited or carried away. A sober person is one who has calm and dispassionate judgment and is not desirous of great things or high estate but is free from extravagance or excess. Such a person is guided by sound reason and is sane and rational. Interestingly, sober is also connected to fasting.Soberness is used a number of times in the scriptures, and, at least, in the New Testament, the word sober has many of the same meanings described above. "It is that habitual inner self-government, with its constant rein on all the passions and desires, which would hinder temptations from arising, in such strength as would overbear the checks and barriers which are opposed to it" (Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words).Soberness is sometimes used not simply to describe how we are in ourselves, but how we interact with others. For example, Paul teaches "every man not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3).Another common use of the word sober is in how the Lord's servants, leaders, should regard their callings. In the Book of Mormon, Jacob, in acknowledging "the responsibility which I am under to God," promised "to magnify mine office with soberness, that I might rid my garments of your sins" (Jacob 2:2). Oliver Cowdery was admonished to "be patient; be sober; be temperate" and to "perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you" (D&C 6:19, 35). Again, both Cowdery and David Whitmer were commanded to "take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness" (D&C 18:21).In these last days, we have been commanded to "gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth to the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not" (D&C 61:38; see 1 Peter 4:7).
FAQs
The Gospel in Words: The gospel in words: 'Sober'? ›
Soberness is sometimes used not simply to describe how we are in ourselves, but how we interact with others. For example, Paul teaches "every man not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith" (Romans 12:3).
What does God say about sober? ›Thessalonians5:6-8. “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”
What does the word sober mean biblically? ›One who is sober is serious, thoughtful, cautious, calm, and not given to excesses of any kind.
What does sober mean in Hebrew? ›nḗphō – properly, to be sober (not drunk), not intoxicated; (figuratively) free from illusion, i.e. from the intoxicating influences of sin (like the impact of selfish passion, greed, etc.). /nḗphō ("be sober, unintoxicated") refers to having presence of mind (clear judgment), enabling someone to be temperate (self- ...
What did God mean by be sober minded? ›Sober-mindedness, according to Peter, means living with a single-minded focus. What is that focus? “Being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” It means this; sober-mindedness is living with eternity in view.
Does God say not to drink alcohol? ›It condemns drunkenness and being enslaved to wine (Ephesians 5:18; Titus 2:3), but it never says that tee-totaling is the better way to obey God. In fact, the Bible never says that abstaining from alcohol is the wisest way to avoid getting drunk.
What does God say about drinking alcohol? ›Galatians 5:19–21: "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: ... drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." Ephesians 5:18: "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.
What is the root word of sober? ›English sober comes from Middle English sobre, sober(e), sobor, from Old French sobre, from Latin sōbrius “sober (not intoxicated), in possession of one's faculties, staid and sensible in behavior.” Sōbrius appears to be a compound of the preposition and prefix sē, sē- “apart, aside, by oneself” and the adjective ...
What defines sober in spirit? ›In addition to meaning sober, it also means to be calm and collected in spirit and to be temperate, dispassionate or circ*mspect. Also, it means to be discreet (figuratively) and to literally watch.
Where in the Bible does it say be sober in prayer? ›1 Peter 4:7 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.
What is the Greek word for sober? ›
néphó Strong's Concordance néphó: to be sober, to abstain from wine Original Word: νήφω Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: néphó Phonetic Spelling: (nay' fo) Definition: to be sober ... https://biblehub.com/greek/3525.htm.
What does sober mean in Titus 2? ›In Paul's instructions for Titus about how to live a dedicated Christian life, four times in Chapter Two he mentioned being “sober.” The word “sober” means “to be sound minded, serious minded, or vigilant.” The first thing Titus was to tell the “aged men” was to be “sober” (vs. 2).
Does the word sober mean? ›The most common meaning of sober is "not drunk" — people who drive need to be sober. Sober sounds a lot like somber, and it often means sad and quiet too, or sometimes too serious. Another meaning is to be logical or realistic about something.
What does Jesus say about drunkenness? ›Jesus warns his disciples to “take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life.” This caution from Luke 21:34 emphasizes the need for self-awareness and vigilance against the dangers of excessive consumption.
What does 1 peter 4 verse 7 mean? ›Instead, Peter writes, we must be self-controlled, or alert, or exercising sound judgment about our choices. And we should be sober-minded. In this context, "sober" means "serious." In other words, we should be careful about how we live. Our choices impact our ability to think clearly.
What is the Hebrew word for sober minded? ›Greek/Hebrew Definitions. Strong's #4993: sophroneo (pronounced so-fron-eh'-o) from 4998; to be of sound mind, i.e. sane, (figuratively) moderate:--be in right mind, be sober (minded), soberly.
How to be sober according to the Bible? ›A sober person is alert to the dangers of the world, the flesh, and the Devil, and he is not easily distracted by the issues that can get his ministry off track (1 Thess. 5:6; 1 Peter 5:8). In addition to this call for sobriety, Paul once more encourages Timothy to “endure suffering” (2 Tim. 4:5; see also 2:3).
Did Jesus say not to get drunk? ›Luke 21:34: "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares."
What does the Bible say about recovery? ›Psalm 71:20-21 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more. Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
Where in the Bible does it say be awake and sober? ›1 Thessalonians 5:6-11 Amplified Bible (AMP)
So then let us not sleep [in spiritual indifference] as the rest [of the world does], but let us keep wide awake [alert and cautious] and let us be sober [self-controlled, calm, and wise].