Knowing Your Limitations

(Pro 23:30 KJV)  They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

What do we get if we look for a general principle for righteous living in this verse.  The Bible as a whole makes it clear that wine itself is not sinful.  I am a teetotaler and feel alcohol is an evil that is best avoided but that is different.  At the same time it applies to the principle.  We are warned about hanging around certain things, and possibly people.  We are warned about looking for trouble.  Both give sin an opportunity to get a foothold in our lives.

We are better off if we avoid certain situations and activities.  Take skiing.  I have never tried it and never intend to try it.  Why?  I know my limitations.  I know my lack of coordination and perspective.  For me to get on skis and head down a hill is asking for serious injury.  Double that with skateboards and parachutes.  In the area of morality we need to take that seriously.  

So?  Life can be so much better if we keep our brain in gear and our rationalizations under control.  God gives us the ability to live in obedience but it is not an autopilot.