January 22, 2017 (Proverbs 20:1)

“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise” (Prov 20:1). Use of alcoholic beverages is one of the more contentious subjects among those who profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. As the focus during the next several weeks will be on this subject, not all may wish to follow the train of thought: For not all who desire to have Christ as Savior are willing to receive Him as Lord to the greatest extent being made possible by grace. Instead of living by the Holy Spirit as Paul commands, many continue to “gratify desires of the sinful nature” (Galatians 5:16). Indeed those scriptures are multiple which strongly warn about the inherent dangers associated with drinking alcohol. So it is we begin with the passage telling us indulging in alcoholic drink leads to being a “mocker,” which implies decreased capacity for respect of God’s standards of self-control and holding to righteous values of not only thought but speech and behavior. There is, in truth, nothing to support the idea that even a single glass of wine or beer will sharpen senses as to God’s will being done on earth as it is in heaven. To the contrary, godly inhibitions are weakened by any degree of alcoholic influence. Furthermore as a “brawler,” alcohol often predisposes to not only conflicts but all too frequently to violence having unfortunate consequences. As Jesus repeats in each of His letters to the churches in Revelation, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”