Tag: addiction
Warning About Alcohol!
Scripture reading for September 29: Proverbs 23:29-30 “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine.” . . vs 32-35 “In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things. You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, like on who lies on the top of a mast. “They struck me,” you will say, “but I was not hurt; they beat me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I must have another drink.””
Another source of disease in our culture and many around the world over the past thousands of years is the use and abuse of alcohol. It has caused much harm and destruction with repeated use over a long time. Sometimes tragedy comes with a single act of overindulgence. Solomon wrote to warn his sons about being wise concerning alcohol use. He starts out by asking a few questions to get his sons to think through the possible answers. After the last question, Solomon plainly stated the answer. Those who tarry long over wine end up with many harmful consequences. They have sorrow because alcohol is a depressant. They have strife because alcohol can make you belligerent and affect your reason. The strife can end in fights and wounds as well as redness of eyes and the feeling that you are on a ship in a storm.
In our culture, alcohol use is accepted and promoted. But the same questions asked thousands of years ago by Solomon are still relevant today. Alcohol distorts the person’s ability to perceive reality. It opens up our souls to evil spirits which cause the drinker to do perverse and harmful things. There is much strife and physical harm. But after a short time sober, addiction for more alcohol drives the person to find more and more. Long term health deteriorates from damage to liver, heart, kidneys and other organs.
Do these ancient warnings and questions speak to you about your own actions or those of a family member or friend? Take time today to reflect and pray to God for grace to acknowledge the problem and make necessary changes.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for helping Your children find help and instruction to live healthy lifestyles in a culture that promotes alcohol (and drug) use. Cleanse us from addiction and permissive attitudes. Amen.
Alcohol Addiction in 1000 BC!
Scripture reading for July 10th: Proverbs 22-24
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.” (Proverbs 23:29-30)
Alcohol has been around for a long time. Fermented drinks have an attraction because they can alter our moods and it is a socially acceptable thing to do. Alcohol is a depressant, but it has different effects on different people. Some people who are naturally shy might become boastful and belligerent. Some who are good-natured might become mean when too much alcohol is in their system. Inhibitions that one may have when sober may soon vanish when drunk and talk and actions can become offensive and cause trouble and fights.
The writer of Proverbs accurately described the effects of alcohol consumption and addiction 3000 years ago! As I read these words, I think of people whom I have tried to help out of addiction. Trying to reason with them is useless when they are drunk. Often, when sober, they are the nicest people and swear that they are going to change but they go back again and again in a spiral downward that causes personal injury, family breakups and trouble for their friends. They often lose their homes, jobs, and sometimes end up incarcerated. The addiction becomes a prison of their own making.
“In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”” (Proverbs 23:32-35)
The Bible gives the answer to alcohol addiction! We are not to be drunk with wine or any other alcoholic or mind-altering substance, but rather be filled with God’s Holy Spirit! (Ephesians 5:18-20) The infilling of God’s Spirit brings righteousness, peace, and joy! (Romans 14:17-18) We become thankful to God and worship Him with songs and hymns because of His life in us. It is only by the Spirit that we can overcome the addictions of the flesh and serve God in a pleasing manner. Why not try God’s remedy today? It is the ultimate “high”!