"Wisdom Cries Out"
Alcohol Has Definite Effects
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20.1)
Consumption of alcohol has definite effects. To drink wine lowers inhibitions and often leads to tactless speech. A strong drink can quickly turn someone violent and unruly. Drinking does not always lead to abuse, but we must not ignore its potential. After all, the goal of this verse is to consider the outcome and not simply the activity.
Scripture acknowledges drinking as making the heart glad (Psalm 104.15; Ecclesiastes 10.19), relieving pain and anxiety (Proverbs 31.6), having health benefits (1 Timothy 5.23) and allowing enjoyment of the good things God has given (Ecclesiastes 9.7). While offered in a positive sense, it again highlights the fact that drinking will alter ones mood, attitude, and actions. It creates a feeling and environment that is pleasurable and is often pursued as the object rather than a means to an end. For this reason, many are lead astray in pursuit of it.
Drunkenness is clearly condemned by scripture (Romans 13.13; 1 Corinthians 6.10; Galatians 5.21; Ephesians 5.18), and there are enough specific admonitions regarding alcohol consumption that we must consider its effect on our judgment and influence (Proverbs 23.29-35; Isaiah 5.11; 1 Peter 4.3-5). Why else would the Bible address this topic with such consistency if there wasn't a need for us to consider it?
You may not struggle with alcohol abuse, or even use it at all. However, it is all around us in culture and social activities; so, we must be informed regarding what the Bible says about it. We would do well to consider the wise man’s admonition to his son: “Do not look at wine when… it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. 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.” (Proverbs 23.31-33)
There are connotations associated with drinking and many in our culture who struggle with its effects. Christians are expected to live sober-minded, self-controlled lives of holiness (1 Peter 4.7). Even casual use of alcohol can alter our ability to live this way. By contrast, the Holy Spirit produces self-control, good judgment, and balance (Ephesians 5.18; Galatians 5.22-23). If we are to live by the Spirit we cannot allow anything to inhibit or control us (Romans 6.16; Ephesians 5.18; 2 Peter 2.19b). We must be diligent not be led by the pleasurable things of this world but by things of the Spirit.
“If we walk by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5.25)
