(Proverbs 23:30 KJV) They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
This is a verse that does not stand alone. By itself it is two incomplete phrases. They both refer back to the previous verse that is talking about the problems of people who drink too much. It should be pointed out that the condemnation is not about “wine” (3196) itself, but the tendency to “tarry” (linger NASB) (309) over it. You would need to compare this to Proverbs 9:1-2 where it talks about wisdom mixing its wine. I am struggling with this. I have strong feelings about the abuse of alcohol. Like many things in life, it is the abuse that is the problem.
We must find a balance in life. The Bible does this. In alcohol the balance is in moderation. Moderation is a range of use. In the case of alcohol the range is from none to small amounts. Abstaining is moderation on this issue because alcohol is not a need.
So? Strive for the Biblical balance in all things. Be careful not to condemn those who find a different balance. Seek righteousness in action as well as attitude.
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2 comments:
Up until hard times this summer, I always had four swallows of horrible-tasting, cheap wine straight from the bottle before bedtime. My wife was appalled, but I don't drink cough medicine from a glass, either! I hated to cut it out, since it had three possible attributes applicable to my health. Some, I know, choose not to drink because of a lack of control on their part or others. Others simply don't like it. As you say, each of us needs to find our own balance.
My limited experience with older cough medicines tells me that alcohol was their most effective ingredient. So they took it out. It is called progress.
Grace and peace.
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