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Daily Devotion: Proverbs 20:1

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Proverbs 20:1    "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."

Paul was inspired to write, "... be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess." (Ephesians 5:18) (We will look at the rest of that verse shortly.)

It seems to me that many people are being deceived in our day and time. I don't mean to make anyone angry, but it hurts me to see so many people who feel the need to include a can of beer, or a mixed drink, in their pictures that are posted publicly. God's Word is true, no matter what others may think about it. "Wine is a mocker.... Strong drink is raging." It truly troubles me that so many people have become numb to this truth. Even as I type these words, I know there are those who disagree with me. There is a part of me that says I need to just let this alone, but there is that tugging inside of me that says, "This truth needs to be told again." God said these words, not me. I feel they are true. Alcohol and drugs have ruined so many lives and destroyed so many families; yet, it seems to become more and more acceptable in our day. In 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, Paul wrote concerning those who are earthly minded. Their philosophy was, "... let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die."  I can hear the arguments that say, "There is nothing wrong with a social drink. I know when to stop."  And that might be true, but it also might be that "wine is mocking and strong drink is raging." Those words, mocking and raging, literally mean to mouth (talk) with a loud noise. Paul says, "Be cautious of excess." I have heard and seen too many stories of people who woke up the next morning with regrets. Let us finish this with the complete verse from Ephesians 5:17-18, "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit."  I would rather be filled with the Spirit than filled with the world. May God bless us to think on these things.

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