How far is too far when it comes to drinking alcohol? Why does the Bible praise the effects of alcohol? How are we supposed to know when those effects have gone too far? I am mostly confused about this verse:


  Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto
  those that be of heavy hearts. Proverbs 31:6


Phrases like "wine that maketh glad the heart of man" (Psalm 104:15) and "wine, which cheereth God and man" (Judges 9:13) seem to suggest that it's okay to seek the light pre-drunkenness that comes with alcohol. 

Does this mean it is okay to get tipsy? How far is too far in the merry-making associated with wine in the Bible?
Short answer: You've gone too far when your drinking no longer glorifies God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Long answer:

This line can be crossed at different times for different people and in different situations.


A single sip, or even the presence of alcohol can be too much, if it causes another to stumble. 1 Corinthians 8:13.
Drinking for selfish reasons, regardless of how much, is wrong.
Drinking to the point of losing a clear head is wrong. 1 Peter 5:8

Note that some Christians don't necessarily think this means an absolute ban on drunkenness. The argument being that if you choose to get drunk (with a clear mind), and do it under responsible circumstances, it can be okay.  I don't necessarily hold this view, and would ask a person intending to get drunk to examine their motives. See #2.

The only example I can think of where the Bible may be interpreted to specifically permit drunkenness is in the context of medicine. Proverbs 31:6 suggests "wine for those who are in anguish" which seems to be advocating using wine for pain management, which probably indicates some level of intoxication (whether it's means full drunkenness, or simply "tipsy", is subject to interpretation.)  Given that most of us live in societies where other forms of pain killers are available, it would be easy to avoid this use of wine in most cases, if it is an area of trouble on your conscience.
If you drink enough to be harmful or dishonoring to your body, it is wrong. 1 Corinthaians 6:19-20
If you think it's wrong to drink (at all, or in a given situation), then it is wrong.  Romans 2:15