Proverbs 20:1: Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Insight
Almost 40 years ago, Pastor McGee said: America is becoming a nation of drunkards. I am not impressed when the news media lets us know the tremendous amount of taxes that comes from the liquor industry. What they forget to tell is the cost of the hospitals, the mental institutions and the accidents—the people who have been maimed for life—as a result of drinking drivers. We hear about how bad drug abuse is today; but remember, alcohol is a drug! I predict that it will not be missiles but liquor that will destroy our nation. 1
Application
1. Read Proverbs 23:29-35. 2. Read the statistics below. 3. Make a wise decision.
An estimated 88,000 people (approximately 62,000 men and 26,000 women) die from alcohol-related causes annually. 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking. 97,000 students report experiencing alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape. 5.1 million people ages 12–20 reported binge drinking in the past month. About 1 in 4 college students report academic consequences from drinking, including missing class, falling behind in class, doing poorly on exams or papers, and receiving lower grades overall. (https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/alcohol-facts-and-statistics.)
Motivation
Hear, my son, and be wise; and guide your heart in the way. Proverbs 23:19
Is my Christian liberty about satisfying my pleasures, or pleasing Him? – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, lead me to Your well, and teach me to drink of Your living water.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
