“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags” (23:20-21). It is hardly surprising that the book of Proverbs deals with drunkenness. It was a problem in ancient times as it is today (though it is magnified today in many respects). The answer of the Bible is not abstinence, though this is obviously right and necessary in many cases (particularly in our time). The Bible points us to sobriety. Jesus drank wine and the early church used wine for communion that was strong enough for some, who had too much, to get drunk on (1 Corinthians 11:21). Paul’s issue with the practice of the Corinthians had to do with excess, not the substance itself. Likewise, here in the proverb, drunkenness and gluttony are mentioned in the same breath. The key idea here is self-control. If food controls you, then you should fast regularly. If you cannot abstain from alcohol and you are regularly given to excess, then opt for complete abstinence. At the very least, it is good to observe regular periods of abstinence to ensure self-control in this respect. It is better to sacrifice the substance than sacrifice your freedom. Jesus paid a high price to set his people free. He does not want them giving themselves to bondage again.
Reflect on where there might be excess in your life.
Read Proverbs 23:19-35
