During a discussion about music, we read Ephesians 5:18 (KJV) to point out the need to be controlled by the Spirit in our music. One student asked if excess indicated that wine was appropriate in moderation. What would you have said? A complete answer would have taken a long time to answer. And as thinking quick on my feet has not been characteristic of me, I was happy that the Lord brought to mind Proverbs 20:1.
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging:
and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
It seemed to be the right answer at the right time. I’m glad that the Holy Spirit brought that to my mind as we could have been distracted from our goal of studying biblical principles about music. That one verse effectively ended that conversation for the moment. But just to be sure, I intend to make Pastor Mark Perry’s article (OBF Visitor) on drinking available to any who still have questions.
Andy,
I completely agree. I really think the Proverbs text takes the cake in the whole drinking debate. Anyone who ignores it or explains it away is simply seeking liscence to sin…
So then Proverbs 31:4-7 must not be inspired, right?
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink,
For they will drink and forget what is decreed,
And pervert the rights of all 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.”
I know this is an extreme example, but when alcoholic beverages are mentioned in the Bible, it is more often with a good connotation than a bad one.
Yes, as I mentioned in the post, the Bible’s view of alcoholic beverages is complex. But for the situation I was faced with, I think Proverbs 20:1 was the best answer to quote. Noting the dangers is the first step.
Yes, but isnt that a bit deceptive to your class. As an instructor, you should be seeking to give your pupils an accurate representation of the truth. I probably would have said that it is a complex subject, recommended a private study of the subject ot the student, and then maybe even take time to address the topic in another class session. This seems to me a much more truthful explanation than a one sided answer.
If you are looking for a good answer to this question yourself, I suggest that you order Pastor Mark Perry’s article, “The Christian and Alcohol”, published September 2006 in the OBF Visitor.
As to being “a bit deceitful”, I understand what you are saying, but I also suggest that you think through this situation. Every instructor has to tailor his message to the students he is teaching. Is it appropriate to teach 11-12th grade teens to drink moderately? Or is it better to warn them of the dangers which have ruined so many lives today?
Although the Bible talks about the proper use of wine. There is much discussion about what biblical wine refers to. Is it the same as we have today? Men are divided about this subject. But all are agreed that present day alcoholic beverages can be very dangerous. I stand by my original argument and believe that it was “a word fitly spoken.”
Here’s the concluding remark’s from the article:
“How should a Christian respond? The culture and purpose of the alcoholic scene is decidedly anti-God. The Bible forbids drunkenness, issues warnings about the dangers of alcohol, and gives examples of its destructive power. The answer the Bible comments is not a chapter-and-verse command, but a matter of biblical wisdom.
In light of the Bible’s warnings, the dangers of alcohol, and our desire to please God in all things, it is wise to abstain completely from alcohol. Only by total abstinence can a Christian absolutely avoid the controlling power of alcohol, its harmful effects, and potential damage to his testimony.”