Read Proverbs 20:1-10

At this point in the Book of Proverbs, the format changes slightly from proverbs contrasting wisdom and folly to those of warning and instruction.

Proverbs 20:1, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."  

In many churches, there seems to be a frightening trend.  Many are moving away from positions of the past while replacing them with what I would label as "worldly moderations."  I was asked a question just one week ago by a new convert who is seeking and growing. He asked, "Is it wrong for a Christian to have one beer?"  I stated emphatically, "Absolutely it is!"  Now, I know in our day and age people are looking for churches that allow for the drinking of alcoholic beverages in what they call “moderation”.  First, may I ask you to define moderation in this instance?  Is it one alcoholic beverage, two, or maybe even three?  Also, how does drinking alcohol fit into the truth stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:22, "Abstain from all appearance of evil.”  The word "abstain" speaks of making a deliberate choice to not do or partake of something.  Now I know this isn't a popular position, but I am certain it is the Christian position.

Alcoholic beverages cause men to mock and rage. Foolish men imbibe intoxicants, thinking to get drunk and forget their troubles. As one preacher correctly said, "The irony is that alcohol does not drown trouble, it makes it float."

The world advertises alcohol as a great way to enjoy, loosen up, and get a buzz. The truth is that alcohol is a great deceiver. In place of its short ‘high’ comes nothing but trouble and destruction.  Truly, alcoholic beverages are demons in a bottle. Few things in the history of humanity have been more destructive to life, happiness, and family than alcohol. Those who drink are not wise. 

I want you to study the following Scriptures and allow God to direct you to the proper decision.

• Romans 14:21

• Proverbs 23:29-35

• Isaiah 28:7

• Leviticus 10:9

People who think they can manage alcoholic beverages are not wise, just as people who think they can manage illegal drugs is not wise.

Meditate upon the Word of God and allow it to guide you rather than the darkened society in which we live.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  If an alcoholic beverage is “okay”, what then is the purpose of Proverbs 20:1?

2.  What do the words “mocker” “raging” and “deceived” mean as written in Proverbs 20:1?

3.  Do you think there are any believers on earth that take the position that drinking alcohol in any form is wrong?  What then should you do with alcohol-based upon Romans 14:21?

4.  What do the words “stumbleth” “offended” and “made weak” mean in Romans 14:21?