Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs
Proverbs 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
Much has been said about these verses which follow an inconsistent representation of God’s will. God’s will is that no one should imbibe in such drink as to make one inebriated.
When most people read of the word “wine” in God’s word they assume it always means alcoholic beverage. Wine is a general term for grape juice whether fermented or not. It can also mean jams a jellies. When Jesus made “Wine at the wedding (which was not his own wedding as some would suppose) he made fresh grape juice. Read the context. Always keep things in context.
In our context we see that Bathsheba taught Lemuel (Solomon) that kings were not to drink wine nor liquor (strong drink) because it perverts judgment. When you’re drunk you cannot think rationally.
Proverbs 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
The next phrase of the text is what people often misinterpret.
Proverbs 31:6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
Giving strong drink to him that is ready to perish is nothing more than giving medicine.
An example is - Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
Giving wine to those of a heavy heart is not alcoholic for alcohol promotes a heavy heart rather than quelling it. You don’t give fermented wine to a drunk, he will remain drunk. You give fresh grape juice to bring him out of his stupor and give him a clear mind that way he does not remember his troubles and misery.
Fresh juice removes the problem described in Proverbs 23.
Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
You don’t give strong drink to those who are drowning in their sorrows you give fresh drink to help them out of their sorrows and give them a clear mind.
Proverbs 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
Even better; give the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are heavy in sorrow for salvation definitely changes the heart and mind and fills it with the positive power of God in Christ Jesus.
If you desire to be saved and experience the true universal love of God through His Son Jesus Christ you may.
By faith, simply pray this prayer believing with all your heart. "God I know I am a sinner in need of salvation. I now repent of my sin asking you to save me. Please come into my heart and save my soul for I cannot save myself. I now place my faith and trust in Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour whom you have sent."
Please let us know if you have made that decision.
The choice is till yours,
Pastor Cook
