The Dangers of Depending on Wine to Bring You Cheer
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine (Ecclesiastes 2:3, ESV)
For Insight
Some of Solomon’s funniest proverbs are centered on what people who have had too much to drink, do. One proverb says a man (or woman) who has had too much wine are like those sitting at the ships mast saying hit me again. Another one says drinking wine in excess should be reserved for those who don’t have anything to look forward to. Though Solomon was on a mission to discover the pleasures of the palate he was one who did everything in moderation. He drank wine but it never kept him from giving sound judgments; it never interfered with his wisdom.
How does wine fit into your life? There is nothing wrong with wine. Drinking wine is not a sin it’s the overindulging in wine—just like anything else—that can get us into trouble. In the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus held a banquet to entertain friends and had too much wine to drink. Under the influence of wine, he summoned Queen Vashti to come and parade around the room of drunken men when she refused, he made an order saying she was banned from his presence. The next morning after the king was sober, he realized what he had done but it was too late to reverse his order without losing face (Esther 1 & 2). Lot drank too much wine and had sex with his daughters. ( Read Genesis 19:31-35).
Are you someone who overindulges when it comes to wine? What’s the worse, most regrettable thing you have done because you were drunk on wine? How did you feel about yourself after sobering up? Some religious groups and denominations teach that wine is something wicked. Jesus drank wine but just like everything else, he was balanced in everything he did. He never got drunk nor made a public spectacle of himself.
Drinking wine for relaxation or to be social is one thing. Drinking wine or any other intoxicating beverage to drown your sorrows or escape your problems is another thing. If you drink wine or any other intoxicating beverage to hide or escape something it might be a good idea to seek help or counsel. Solomon found out wine would cheer his body but it should also be consumed responsibly.
If wine is your pleasure, go ahead, have some wine. It will do just as Solomon said, bring joy to the body. But make sure you don’t overindulge.
Praying Ecclesiastes 2:3
Father, You have created so many good things that bring us joy. Hel pus to be people who do not overindulge, not only in wine, but all things that are meant to serve us in this life. When we are having trouble in this area, it is not self-control we need, but a right perspective and sound counsel. Amen
Challenge
Are you okey with wine? Do you find yourself becoming dependent on wine or lose your sense of judgment after consuming too much? Have a conversation first with the Lord if you cannot control your intake then seek wise counsel to help you.
Digging Deeper
Devotionally Yours 