(Proverbs 20:1 KJV) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
I read through Proverbs every month. When you do something this way it is easy to get in a rut and go through the motions. One of the things I do to make the reading fresh is to start reading at a different part of the chapter each month. Since it is January I am beginning in the first verse. It is amazing how often there are just little reminders about things we should already know. This verse is one of them.
I don’t drink. Maybe you do. I do not believe you will be cast into the depths of hell for having a glass of wine with dinner. Both of us have a simple, clear message here. Watch out for the dangers of alcohol.
So? Do I need this? Not today. Hopefully, never. Do you? This is a simple word from your maker not this blogger.
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5 comments:
I posted once on "How much alcohol is too much?" You remind me that it might be a good time to repost it.
"...whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Of course, those who are deceived are not aware they have been deceived. Otherwise, they would not be deceived. How often we hear someone say, "I can handle it." These are the people most likely to be deceived.
Gorges, only if I agree with you.
Ron, as I get older and joke about still having all my marbles I often observe that I will be the last to know. Good friends and introspection can help and of course listening to the Holy Spirit.
Grace and peace.
I posted the following comment on Gorges' post on alcohol. Perhaps it is appropriate here, as well.
I believe this passage is a Biblical summary of the balance. "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted. Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more" (Proverbs 31:4-7, NKJV).
If it is not for kings, because of the potential impact it could have on the decision-making process that affects others, then perhaps that principle should be applied to anyone in leadership whose decisions have an impact on others. Maybe this would include parents, church leaders, bosses at work, or anyone else in a position of authority.
I do not deny that the Bible makes reference to some legitimate use of alcohol in certain situations, but I believe it is far too easy to use those Scriptures to minimize the potential consequences and to justify wrong use of it.
Many years ago, my mother-in-law was visiting, and I came down with the worst cold of my life. She insisted on making a mixture of hot water, sugar, lemon juice, and some kind of whiskey (not sure where she got that). I drank it and finally got some much-needed sleep. It worked, but I felt like I was drinking kerosene or something. I have no clue why anyone would want to drink anything remotely like that if they weren't sick.
Personally I agree that alcohol is something to be avoided, period, but it is one of those areas I can't be dogmatic on. It isn't like the resurrection. I agree with your logic about persons in leadership. We don't have kings but we do have leaders.
Grace and peace.
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