Proverbs 20:1

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 about being led astray by wine:

Proverbs 20:1 (ESV)

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,

and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

The principle behind this verse is supported by the life we see every day in every era.   Alcohol has a strange affect on mankind.  There are stories throughout God's Word and natural man's tales that speak to the truth of this verse.  AA has a complete industry devoted to helping those who are confounded and humbled by the substance of wine and strong drink.  So, few would disagree with a portion of Solomon's proverb in 20:1.   However, Solomon is not politically correct when he says that those we are intoxicated are not "wise."   To most alcoholism is not a wise or foolish thing but a disease.   If our world doesn't want to deal with the sin behind or problems we just call it a sickness.     Just today I saw a billboard that proclaimed obesity was not a decision but a disease.    So, Solomon gives us the true source of the problem with intoxication ... it is a foolish behavior and not a Spirit led behavior.  It is something believers, who have the Spirit of God leading them, would avoid since the Wisdom of God dwells in us.   Intoxication and believers are on the opposite ends of the spectrum according to Solomon.  I don't think Solomon teaches abstinence.  But he does speak about the foolishness of allowing a substance to control you.  Believers, pay attention to God's Wisdom here.  We would do well to heed the warning.