Posts Tagged ‘Proverbs 22-24’

Scripture reading for July 10th: Proverbs 22-24

“Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.” (Proverbs 23:29-30)

Alcohol has been around for a long time.  Fermented drinks have an attraction because they can alter our moods and it is a socially acceptable thing to do.  Alcohol is a depressant, but it has different effects on different people.  Some people who are naturally shy might become boastful and belligerent.   Some who are good-natured might become mean when too much alcohol is in their system.  Inhibitions that one may have when sober may soon vanish when drunk and talk and actions can become offensive and cause trouble and fights.

The writer of Proverbs accurately described the effects of alcohol consumption and addiction 3000 years ago!  As I read these words, I think of  people whom I have tried to help out of addiction.  Trying to reason with them is useless when they are drunk.  Often, when sober, they are the nicest people and swear that they are going to change but they go back again and again in a spiral downward that causes personal injury, family breakups and trouble for their friends.  They often lose their homes, jobs, and sometimes end up incarcerated.  The addiction becomes a prison of their own making.

“In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.  Your eyes will see strange sights and your mind imagine confusing things.  You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.  “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it!  When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”" (Proverbs 23:32-35)

The Bible gives the answer to alcohol addiction!  We are not to be drunk with wine or any other alcoholic or mind-altering substance, but rather be filled with God’s Holy Spirit!  (Ephesians 5:18-20)  The infilling of God’s Spirit brings righteousness, peace, and joy!  (Romans 14:17-18)  We become thankful to God and worship Him with songs and hymns because of His life in us.  It is only by the Spirit that we can overcome the addictions of the flesh and serve God in a pleasing manner.  Why not try God’s remedy today?  It is the ultimate “high”!

Scripture reading for July 10th: Proverbs 22-24

The Bible teaches that we are all designed to rule and have dominion!  Adam was given dominion over creation in order to tend and care for it as God desired and instructed.  (Genesis 1:27-28)   We need God’s wisdom because He is the source of all wisdom and authority and created all things for His purposes.  Many of today’s proverbs offer wisdom to those in authority to enable them to effectively rule with the mind of God and avoid the snares of our enemy, the Devil.

The first truth that stands out to me in this section of Proverbs is the need for humility.  (Proverbs 22:4)  When we fear the Lord, God gives us discernment into the difference between good and evil.  When we choose the good consistently we get wealth, honor and life  as added benefits.  We also get a good name and reputation, something that money can’t buy! (Proverbs 22:1)  Keeping humility when God has blessed you can be a real test, for many times prosperity causes pride and God is forgotten or not honored.

When a king rules, he acts on behalf of God.   A warning that is repeated is to treat the poor with equity and respect.  (Proverbs 22:16, 22-23)  When the poor are mistreated, God Himself promises to take up their case and rule on their behalf!  Rulers should watch out for their friendships and social contacts.  They must stay away from the adulteress and the hot-tempered man.  (Proverbs 22:14, 24; 23:26-28)  Both of those people lead to trouble.  The ruler must not move an ancient boundary stone. When you are judging in court, be sure and convict the guilty and do not show partiality or take a bribe.  God will bless righteous judgment and integrity!  (Proverbs 24:23-25)  Also, do not seek revenge because that is for God alone!  (Proverbs 24:29)

This section warns of two other areas of danger for any in authority.  Drunkenness is dangerous and addictive.  (Proverbs 23:29-35)  Drinking takes away your ability to have sound judgment and to see clearly.  It causes violence and strife and quarrels.  A hangover comes the next day and bloodshot eyes!  It poisons our life like a snake-bite!  The second warning is against laziness.  (Proverbs 24:30-34)   Laziness causes life to fall into ruin around you.  Your life looks like a field that is not tended.  Walls of protection are broken down and enemies steal the crop.  Weeds grow and choke it out and thorns are a sign that the curse is at work.  Laziness leads to poverty and lack!

“Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4

“A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance and for victory many advisers.” Proverbs 24:5-6