Lessons Solomon Didn’t Learn 2

While he was working on his degree in psychology, one of my brother-in-law’s professors told the class that they would never be able to help drug addicts unless they first tried the drugs themselves so they could understand what the addicts were experiencing. As a result almost the entire class became addicted, with many dropping out of the course and some never able to overcome the addiction.

Solomon had a similar idea as he describes in Ecclesiastes 3:3. “I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.” If he could enjoy the wine without losing control, he would be able to understand the logic of those who got drunk and see what the benefits were to people. He concluded that the promise was false in Proverbs 20:1. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

It is dumb to fall for the lies that one can gain much benefit from drinking, and we tend to forget that very smart people fall for some really dumb theories. In falling for that idea, Solomon had ignored what his mother had tried to teach him.

“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.” (Proverbs 31:4-5)

Even a little alcohol affects one’s judgment, which is why we have laws forbidding driving under the influence of alcohol. Mining companies, airlines, and construction companies are especially aware of the danger of impairment of those in responsible positions. I have to wonder how many of the bad legal decisions of our present day leaders are the result of impaired judgment. We know that both lawyers and judges make serious mistakes when drinking. The more responsibility one has, the more important it is that one not drink.

Even those who do not become alcoholics tend get so wrapped up in the temporary pleasure they ignore the side effects of their drinking. Drinking usually results in depression, after the initial stimulus, so those who are drinking tend to have very negative attitudes. Solomon points out the attitude in Proverbs 23:29-30. “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.” Listen to a bunch of drinkers and you will be amazed at the complaints, many of which you will be unable to clearly define. You will frequently be amazed at the arguments and how often they degenerate into actual physical fights.

Solomon instructed his sons, “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder,” in Proverbs 23:31-32. Drinking is kind of like putting a rattlesnake in your coat pocket. It may take any opportunity to bite you, and the may kill you.

Fat Tire Beer advertises that they have been helping ugly people have sex for fifty years. When they are drinking, people will do things they’d never consider when sober. In their inebriated stat, they say horrible things and take ridiculous chances, and don’t seem to learn from the mistakes. Proverbs 23:33-35 warns, “Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.”

Everything God has created is good, when used properly. Bathsheba taught Solomon the proper use of alcohol. It is a valuable medical tool, because if it’s properties. It will work as an antiseptic, killing bacteria when applied topically. It is a stimulant, and will sometimes stimulate a weak heart, while at the same time reducing pain sensations. As a result it is especially valuable for relieving intense pain of those who are near death. The stimulus effect can also be beneficial for those who are suffering depression, at least in the short term, as it causes the body to release various endorphins. Prolonged use, however, depletes the body’s supply, resulting in greater depression, so it is strictly for short term usage.

“Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” (Proverbs 31:6-7)

Because, in small quantities, it can be beneficial in certain digestive problems, Paul instructed Timothy to use a little, probably in diluted form, in I Timothy 5:23. “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.”

Clearly, wine and other alcoholic liquids were never intended as beverages, but for medical purposes. Because they are addictive, both physically and emotionally, they lose effectiveness with increased usage, and they can damage certain organs, their use needs to be restricted. We need to discredit the childish perception of their usage as portraying maturity and sophistication.