YOU ARE WISE TO AVOID ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Read Proverbs 31:1-9
This morning we come to the last chapter in the book of Proverbs. This last chapter is another separate section. It is ascribed to a king, Lemuel, and what his mother taught him.
After introductory comments in verses 1-9, warning against the evil of alcohol, the chapter then launches into a wonderful discourse about a virtuous woman.
Notice verses 4 & 5:
vs. 4 - "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink. 5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.”
vs. 4 - The mother of the king Lemuel (another name for Solomon) warns her son about the evil of alcoholic beverages. Wine, in this context, certainly refers to fermented wine. Strong drink likely refers to other forms of hard liquor. The focus is that it is unseemly and untoward for royalty (or anyone in a place of leadership or prominence) to drink alcoholic beverages. The Bible always describes alcoholic beverages as a universal evil. Though the Jews had developed a form of nonfermented wine, there certainly was alcoholic wine available. It always is portrayed in the Bible as evil. There never was social drinking amongst the people of God. Alcohol truly is the devil’s beverage.
vs. 5 - The warning against those in leadership consuming alcohol is further described. In so doing, those in places of leadership become lawbreakers themselves. More crime is committed under the influence of alcohol than any other one thing. Moreover, those in leadership who drink will pervert justice for those who come before them. Ecclesiastes 10:17 states, "Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!"
Note now verse 6 & 7 - "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.”
vs. 6 - The thought is not an endorsement of alcohol but rather the use of it for those who are dying or in distress. The word translated as heavy is most commonly rendered as ‘bitter.’ The point is that alcohol is associated with death and bitterness.
vs. 7 - Once again, the point is the connection between alcohol and filth. It is associated with poverty and misery. Those of any standing in life ought to have nothing to do with it.
I am concerned that many "seeker" churches have opened the door to what they call "drinking in moderation." Alcoholic beverage is something to be avoided in the life of Christians who desire to walk in obedience to the Lord.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. What do you believe about the consumption of alcoholic beverages for Christians? How did you arrive to your conclusion?
2. Are the ills of alcohol any different today than 50 years ago? Why then the change in opinion among believers?
3. What is the major reason for not imbibing in alcohol, according to Proverbs 31:5?
4. What medicinal purpose for alcohol is spoken of in Proverbs 31:6? Why is that not necessary today?