An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Heavy Hearts

(Proverbs 31:6 KJV)  Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

“Strong drink” (7941) is another recurring theme in the Book of Proverbs.  It has mixed reviews.  The main concern is the misuse of alcohol.  A quick look at the use of the term shows two groups who are to avoid it.  The first use of this word seems to deny it to the spiritual leaders of Israel.
(Leviticus 10:9 KJV)  Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations:
The second group would be political leaders as is shown in this passage.

For whom is booze to be reserved?  The hopeless and the bitter.

So?  I agree you cannot make a Biblical case for my position of alcoholic abstinence but the warning flags are persistent.  I would urge you to give it up.  It seems a required discipline if you are to be in leadership.  In reality it will be between you and God. 

3 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

Always the devil's advocate, I couldn't help but notice the words "when you go into the tabernacle." It seems to me that it merely says not to be drunk on the job.

Z@X said...

Should I be conscious near my end, wholesale amounts of Kentucky Bourbon and Cuban Cigars will do nicely, if you please.



Pumice said...

Georges, for some people going to work would qualify as the person described. However, I would not recommend it with your job.

James, Although I might prefer a gallon of milk and a huge box of Cheese Its, your scenario fits pretty well with what Solomon was saying.

Grace and peace, gentlemen.