Tag: Provers 23:30-31
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.