September 23, 2026
Scripture – “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.”
Proverbs 23:29-32 NIV
Observation – God is instructing us to abstain from alcohol if we can’t control ourselves. If drinking causes you woe, sorrow, strife, complaining and physical harm you need to stop. God specifically calls out people that linger over wine and gaze at it.
Application – What role is alcohol playing in your life? If you are ever stumbling, slurring your words or putting others or yourself in danger you need to quit. If you have a problem with drinking you will convince yourself you can manage it. You can’t. There will be a day, it might be a week from now or five years from now, after you have “successfully managed” your drinking when you say or do something that damages your reputation and drags Jesus’ name through the mud. It isn’t worth it. Honor Jesus your savior and learn to enjoy this life without being put in an altered state of consciousness.
Prayer – Lord, millions of people have said that alcohol has ruined their lives, I’ve never heard anyone, that has drank for any period of time, praise alcohol for giving them a good life. I pray for those who want to quit that you give them strength and support. Amen
