Proverbs 31:4,5 NIV
It is not for kings, O Lemuel – not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, less they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
It is well known that in the drinking of alcohol, one can lose their ability for thinking clearly, for seeing clearly, and for being in control of what one might say or do. For a king to lose control, or not be aware at any given time, is not a good thing. Lemuel was being reminded of his right, and his responsibility, in remaining clear thinking and in his rightful mind so that he should not forget his subjects, his people, in their needs and their rights.
Being placed in a position of responsibility requires sacrifice in some areas. Whilst many would look up to someone who is famous and/or important, and perhaps covet their place in life, those looked up to must surely sometimes wish for a life of anonymity, when they could be like the ‘ordinary’ people of life. There are things they must forgo to fulfil their life position. King Lemuel’s mother understood this and served to remind her son of his responsibilities and position.
Prayer: Father, help us to accept the role You have set out for us in life, and fulfil the responsibilities You have given us, with understanding and courage.
December 6th, 2006 at 11:51 pm
A little wine does do good to health as Paul admonished Timothy to drink a little wine for health reason. Wine is supposedly to help decrease bad cholesterol level and is good for the heart. Too much of it will cause liver sclerosis.
However, people got drunk out of lack of self-control, or alcoholics are those who are problematic without knowing that the extreme can be very harzardous.
December 7th, 2006 at 6:14 am
Yes, that’s pretty much the case with most things – everything in moderation (or most things) are ok. Unfortunately alcohol seems to be one of those things that not only causes the user problems but people around them as well and it’s easy for things to get out of control.
January 7th, 2008 at 6:17 am
I know that you did this study long ago, but I am just now finding it. It is a wonderful tool. The Bible also says not to do anything that might cause your brother to stumble. This is a real struggle to find the right balance. One might say that my drinking a glass of wine might cause my children or even other Christians to question my relationship with God. Although it is not for them to judge me, I should do my part in keeping them from stumbling. This seems to be especially true with teens.
February 25th, 2011 at 12:30 pm
PRAYER REQUEST, LORD BLESS MY MOTHER WHO IS VERY INDEPENDENT AND DOES NOT WONT OR NEED HELP SOME TIMES BECAUSE SHE LIKES EVERYTHING PERFECT, AND SOME OF HER CHILDREN DO NOT NO HOW TO HELP HER, AND GET TIERED OF SEE OTHER PEOPLE DO FOR HER WHAT SOME OF THEM WISH THEY COULD DO FOR HER BUT SOME TIMES SHE WILL NOT ALLOW,AMEN!
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