Proverbs 23:34

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight drinking:

Proverbs 23:34 (NASBStr)

And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea,

Or like one who lies down on the top of a mast.

Proverbs 23:34 (ESV)

You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,

like one who lies on the top of a mast.

In this section of Proverbs 23 Solomon is telling us the ill effect of too much alcohol.  He doesn't actually condemn alcohol as much he is warning us about how many poor choices follow those who spend too much time with the wine.   In this particular proverb we see Solomon speaking about how alcohol can cause us to become unaware of dangerous situations.  Everyone would agree that laying down in the midst of the sea makes little sense.   Solomon is using absurdity to illustrate the foolishness of giving your senses over to a substance you can't control but rather can control you.   He adds to the argument by giving them a second illustration of someone who is totally unaware of danger and puts themselves into a foolish situation.  He tells them that alcohol can cause you to take a nap in a small basket at the top of a sail boat mast.    Even today, in the modern boat era, one would not take a nap at the top of a sail boat mast.  Just think how foolish that would be in Solomon's day.   God is warning us that foolishness can lead to further foolishness and can put us in even more danger.   Don't allow a substance you put into your mouth to confuse the mind to make even poorer choices.