Although this is a passage talking about drinking too much it is also a reminder to us of whom we should accept as leaders. Drunk leaders “pervert” (8132) what they touch. I would add that even followers destroy what they touch when under the influence. When I went to look for the definition of “pervert” I was expecting to find a word that reflects the usual, to bend or twist. Not so in this case. The root meaning is “to change”. That brought to mind another verse that I have noticed and I wondered if it was the same word in the Hebrew.
(Pro 24:21 KJV) My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change (8132):It was.
This is an argument for the place of tradition in our lives. There may be times for change. Where would we be if America rejected the horseless carriage? I guess there would be a lot of jobs available for sweeping up the horse manure off the street but it would have lowered the quality of life for the average person. On the other side is the need for a flashy new car every two years. The point is we need to avoid people who want to change just for the purpose of change. The new is not always better than the old.
So? Be wary of political leaders and church leaders who come up with innovative ideas. There is a good chance they are not on the side of the angels.