Dangerous Verbs

(Proverbs 23:30 KJV)  They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

There are two verbs here in regard to alcohol.  We are warned not to “tarry” (linger NASB) (309).  This does not refer to the slow drinker.  This is the guy who stays behind to have “one for the road”.  He might be the one who needs to be reminded that it is closing time.  I have been chased out of the library, but never out of a bar.

The second verb is better in the KJV with “seek” (2713) rather than the “taste” of the NASB.  I picture myself at a pot luck dinner with so many choices and only one plate.  I keep going back to taste each one, I seek them out.  In terms of alcohol I imagine this could be seeing how many different variations you could have, you know, olive or onion.

So?  We have so many reasons for doing things we know damage our body and our spirits.  When I go to an “all you can eat” restaurant, I look at it as a challenge to get as much as I can for my money.  I call it good stewardship.  God calls it gluttony and He is not amused.