"Wine produces MOCKERS; alcohol leads to BRAWLS. Those lead astray by drink, CAN NOT BE WISE!"
The One Truth Today should be understood by all people, but especially believers'. Everyone has experienced someone with a drinking problem that has destroyed their life. There is a question that many ask. Does all wine drinking produce mockers? Does all alcohol lead to a brawl? At what point are people lead astray by drink? No one can question that if we never use alcohol at all we will be the wiser for it. Still, did Jesus Christ make fine wine out of water at the wedding? Did Jesus Christ and His disciples drink wine? How can we reconcile these two positions? There is no question that Jesus drank wine, and shared it with others, as we remember the last supper. By the same reasoning we never see wine used in excess by the Lord and only for special occasions. The result is clear, Jesus did not prohibit or even avoid the use of wine for certain reasons or occasions. What is this proverb trying to teach us then? What is the danger in drinking?
Too much wine produces mockers and brawlers, and idiots. They lose their inhibitions and exhibit bad behavior that CAN NOT BE WISE! Strong drink, such as highly concentrated alcohol, even in minor quantities, can be unwise and lead people astray. Alcohol in other than minor amounts leads to mocking and brawling and stupid behavior. In that state you are impaired. So what is the important concept of this proverb? Those who are lead astray by drinking of any kind, CAN NOT BE WISE. Becoming a slave to a habit or continuous drinking and in other than nominal amounts, will lead you astray from God and that result is a sin. We can think of so many examples of those who have become addicted to alcohol that we argue it is better to have never begun drinking in the first place. Does this apply to everyone?
If we toast a couple at a wedding, does this mean we are mockers, brawlers and idiots? Be careful what you say, and remember the Lord's first miracle. Paul suggests that we use some wine for our stomachs sake, and at times, is he wrong? It would appear that wine in small amounts and for special occasions is acceptable to the Lord. What then is the problem men face? Some drink in excess and are lead astray and become separated from God and His Word. The logic becomes, if you never drink you will never be lead astray. If you are saved from excessive use of alcohol, you should never drink a drop, accept that you abused yourself and that CAN NOT BE WISE. We need to respect each others view of the Word and not condemn people that do things judicially and within the Law and Commandments of God. Everyone is responsible for their own choices and they can be good or bad. The consequences are inevitable and those that abuse become abused. Many celebrate in moderation and enjoy life and God even more! Pray that the Lord will make you wise about this One Truth Today!
