“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
Solomon makes it clear that alcohol consumed beyond reason (drunkenness) is not our friend. I doubt any of us are unfamiliar with the truth that God does not encourage that behavior. However, this verse reveals a deeper truth. In Solomon’s day, it is generally believed that alcohol was the primary mind-altering substance. Some historians and theologians believe cannabis may have been used in certain ceremonies. The truth of this verse is that anything—such as alcohol—that we allow to take us off God’s path is not good for our relationship with Him. Too often, the church has taken this idea and made everything with the potential to steer us away from God’s plan into an enemy of the believer. That is not true. God designed us to enjoy life and all His gifts. When our life is governed by God, everything can become good. “Wine, sex, song, architecture, and gardening without Christ are pointless. But with Christ, they have a greater meaning. In other words, it’s not as though the devil has all the good tunes and Christ all the good morals.” (TheWeeFlea) The news often seems full of stories about people abusing many things God gave us as gifts. They are taking them out of His intended context and away from His purpose. That creates chaos and sin. Today, enjoy the gifts of God. #BeTheEdge
“I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”” Psalms 16:2 NIV
