This Proverb says, “It is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink lest they drink and forget what is decreed, and pervert the rights of the afflicted. Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to him whose life is bitter. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his trouble no more.”
This Proverb deals with the appropriate use of alcohol. Alcohol has been around for a long time. Like many things in life, there are times and occasions when the use of alcohol is appropriate. There are times and occasions when alcohol use is not appropriate. What are those times?
Wine has a relaxing effect and changes a person’s mood. It can produce relaxation and enjoyment. It can also produce pain and misery. It also dulls a person’s senses and affects a person’s ability to make good decisions. Depending on the person or situation, the use of wine can be a good thing or it can be a bad thing.
The Bible does not forbid the use of wine. Jesus drank wine. In fact, He changed water into wine at a wedding feast when the wine had been depleted. Jesus realized that a wedding feast or celebration was an appropriate place and time to drink wine. The use of wine at the wedding feast enhanced the joy of the occasion.
However, as this Proverb indicates, the use of wine is not appropriate when a person is in a position or occasion for making decisions in important matters. Therefore a person must be discerning as to when alcohol use is appropriate.
