Sobriety and Watchfulness
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(1 Pet. 5:8)—Christian self-control in food and drink together with continual vigilance over thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. “Be sober, be vigilant,” the apostle warns, “because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” Biblical sobriety is not merely abstention; it is clear-minded readiness for prayer, resistance to temptation, and faithful obedience.