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This is Proverb Pic, the daily devotional newsletter that helps Christians become wiser in 2 minutes a day.

Proverb of the day

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Meditation

Proverbs calls wine a mocker. Proverbs 23:31-32 warns against the allure of alcohol. It illustrates how its initial attractiveness and pleasurable taste can eventually lead to dangerous and harmful consequences, symbolized by a serpent's bite and a viper's poison, encouraging wise decision-making regarding alcohol consumption.

It suggests that being drunk can lead to embarrassment and even destruction. The book advises against getting so drunk that it erodes one's ability to control oneself. Becoming overly reliant on alcohol to deal with life's pressures could result in financial instability (21:17, 23:19-21) or trigger harmful and unjust behaviors (31:4-5). However, Proverbs doesn't outright recommend avoiding alcohol completely, since it also acknowledges that wine can be seen as a positive thing (Genesis 27:28; Deuteronomy 14:26). Even Jesus incorporated wine into the Lord's Supper (Matthew 26:27-29).

Still, there are times when alcohol is explicitly forbidden, like when leaders need to make important decisions (31:4-5) or when devout believers make solemn promises to God (Numbers 6:3). A smart person recognizes the dual nature of alcohol: it can be both a blessing and a curse, accepted and despised in God's sight. It's reflected in the Old Testament that alcohol can bring joy to a person's heart (Psalm 104:15), but it can also cloud one's judgement (Proverbs 28:7).

Prayer

Lord, help us to be responsible. You have given us all good gifts, but we tend to abuse them. Keep us from the dangers of alcohol, and help us be filled with the spirit.

Application question

Are you cautiously aware of your use of alcohol? What guard rails do you have set up in your life?

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