The Ethics of Selling Fruit for Alcohol Production

Selling fruit to be used in the manufacture of intoxicating liquors is a violation of the law of God and makes one a participant in the sins of those who consume the resulting beverages5T 358.2+1.

The Responsibility of the Producer

While you may have an abundance of fruit, the use to which that fruit is put carries a heavy moral weight5T 358.2. Those who help to produce beverages that encourage and educate the appetite for stimulants are considered transgressors of God's law and will be held accountable for the sins they influence others to commit5T 358.2. It is impossible to "touch not, taste not, handle not" if you are actively supplying the raw materials for the liquor trafficCD 430.1.

The Nature of the Liquor Traffic

The sale and use of intoxicating liquors is an unmitigated evil that brings untold harm to society, robbing families and demoralizing the worldGW 387.2+1. Connecting yourself in any degree with a business that leads to the degradation of humanity is contrary to the work of Christ, who sought to uplift and ennoble the human soulRH May 22, 1894, par. 8. Engaging in such trade for the sake of gain is essentially a co-partnership with Satan, as it perpetuates human woeRH May 22, 1894, par. 8+1.

A Better Path for Your Fruit

Rather than contributing to the "liquid fire" that saps the springs of life, consider these alternatives for your surplusARSH March 3, 1859, page 119.21:

• Support the Needy: Instead of selling to those who would misuse the fruit, follow the principle of helping those who are more needy than yourselfCEv 40.1.

• Promote Health: Educate others on the laws of health and how to eat and drink to preserve vitality rather than destroying itCH 24.2.

• Seek Divine Guidance: Ask God directly when and how you should sell your property or goods, as He is the owner of all things and can guide your judgmentHFM 46.1+1.

• Avoid the Snares of the Last Days: We are warned not to let our hearts be overcharged with the cares of this life or the pursuit of gain at the expense of our spiritual well-being Luke 21:34+1.

The stability of the community and the honor of God demand that we put forth a determined effort to stay the work of destruction caused by the liquor trafficMH 346.2. It is better to seek a "treasure in the heavens that faileth not" than to receive the "wages of unrighteousness" through the sale of your fruit for harmful purposes Luke 12:33AMS January 8, 1891, page 9.3.