“Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”

Proverbs 20:1
While Christians differ over the permissibility of moderate alcohol use, Scripture is clear about the dangers of substance abuse and intoxication. The Bible doesn’t use the clinical language that often surrounds the subject in our world today. Rather, it prefers more vivid word-pictures to drive home its point.

Here, intoxicating drinks are personified as belligerent fighters who lead their victims astray from the ways of the wise. If you have ever struggled with addiction, you can identify with this. Addictive substances can put up a good fight, warring against your will, pummeling you into submission to their demands until the substance—not you—is in charge.

Regardless of your stand on the use of alcohol, this is a warning Christians should heed. When we come to Christ, we submit to Him not only as our Savior, but as our King. We belong both in body and soul to Him, and any other master that would usurp His authority intrudes on His rightful territory. Turn away other would-be masters; drink deeply of Jesus instead.



Scripture Focus

Romans 6:12-23

Insight

Roughly 14 million adults in the U.S. struggle with alcohol abuse. How does faith in Christ help address this problem?

Bible In A Year

  • Isaiah 65-66
  • Psalm 103
  • Acts 27

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