Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
Those who linger long over wine,
Those who go to taste mixed wine.
Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it goes down smoothly;
At the last it bites like a serpent
And stings like a viper.
Your eyes will see strange things
And your mind will utter perverse things.
And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea,
Or like one who lies down on the top of a mast.
“They struck me, but I did not become ill;
They beat me, but I did not know it.
When shall I awake?
I will seek another drink. Proverbs 23:29-35 NASB
Every person will do well to resolve the role of alcohol in their life. Alcohol has been around for a very long time (there are records of Noah getting drunk). Misuse has caused a great deal of heartache and pain and ruin. Solomon reminds us that it bites like a serpent. While Christians are permitted some alcohol use, for many it would be wise to not use it at all. Here are 7 Good Reasons to Give Up Alcohol:
https://www.sobergrid.com/single-post/2017/12/21/7-Great-Reasons-to-Give-Up-Alcohol-For-Your-New-Year%E2%80%99s-Resolution
Notice, that after a terrible binge described in Solomon’s account, the first thing the “alcoholic” does is seek another drink. Whether its a sickness or weakness, we should take note that as people we are highly susceptible to addictive behavior- often that which we don’t even consciously understand. That’s why prayer and relationships that offer accountability are essential.
What’s the role of alcohol in my life? Am I going to be a light drinker? Non-drinker? Or other?
God, what a great reminder in the Proverbs today, that I need to see not only what I do, but seek to understand- Why I do and say the things I do. Thank you that You have placed people in my life that offer reflection and accountability. In this season, I am going to be a non-drinker.
