John Calvin Commentary 1 Timothy 5:23

"Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach`s sake and thine often infirmities." — 1 Timothy 5:23 (ASV)

No longer drink water—There are some who conjecture that this sentence, which breaks off the train of thought, was not written by Paul. But we see that Paul was not so anxious about maintaining a close connection in his discourse, and that it was very customary for him to intermingle a variety of statements without any particular arrangement. Besides, it is possible that what had been formerly written in the margin of the Epistle later found its way into this passage through the mistake of the transcribers. Yet there is no need for us to trouble ourselves much on that point, if we consider Paul’s custom, which I have mentioned, of sometimes mingling various subjects.

What is said amounts to this: Timothy should accustom himself to drink a little wine to preserve his health. For he does not absolutely forbid him to “drink water,” but to use it as his ordinary beverage; and that is the meaning of the Greek word ὑδροποτεῖν.

But why does he not simply advise him to drink wine? For when he adds, a little, he appears to guard against intemperance, which there was no reason to dread in Timothy. I reply, this was expressed, rather, to counter the slanders of wicked men, who would otherwise have been ready to mock his advice on this or some similar pretext: “What sort of philosophy is this, which encourages drinking wine? Is that the road by which we rise to heaven?” To counter jeers of this kind, he declares that he provides only for a case of necessity, and at the same time, he recommends moderation.

Now it is evident that Timothy was not only frugal but even austere in his mode of living, so much so that he did not even take care of his health. And it is certain that this was done neither through ambition nor through superstition. Hence we infer that not only was he very far from indulging in luxury and superfluities, but that, so that he might be better prepared for doing the work of the Lord, he reduced a portion even of his ordinary food. For it was not by natural disposition, but through a desire for temperance, that he was abstemious.

How few there are today who need to be forbidden the use of water; or rather, how many there are who need to be urged to drink wine soberly! It is also evident how necessary it is for us, even when we desire to act rightly, to ask the Lord for the spirit of prudence, that he may teach us moderation.

Timothy was, indeed, upright in his aims. But, because he is reproved by the Spirit of God, we learn that his excessive severity of living was faulty in him. At the same time, a general rule is laid down: while we ought to be temperate in eating and drinking, every person should attend to his own health, not to prolong life, but so that, as long as he lives, he may serve God and be of use to his neighbors.

And if excessive abstinence is blamed when it brings on or promotes diseases, how much more should superstition be avoided? What judgment shall we make concerning the obstinacy of the Carthusians, who would sooner have died than taste the smallest morsel of meat in extreme necessity?

And if those who live sparingly and soberly are commanded not to injure their health by excessive parsimony, a significant punishment awaits the intemperate, who, by cramming their belly, waste their strength. Such persons need not only to be advised but to be kept back from their fodder like brute beasts.