Proverbs 23

Devotional:
Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down. For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper. (Proverbs 23:31-32).

Today’s chapter devotes seven verses to the misery of abusing alcohol.  Wine can be pleasing on many levels — how it looks, smells, tastes, and makes one feel. These pleasing aspects of alcohol and other intoxicants will never justify their immoderate use. Eventually, the abuse of alcohol and drugs will bite and sting. Wine (and in our society, illicit drugs) brings physical pain and debilitation, exhausts one’s resources, takes away mental acuity, and yet leaves one craving for more. Adhere to the wisdom of this chapter.

Pray it:
God, it’s easy to get caught up in the pleasures of life and lose sight of you. Help me to heed these warnings, recognizing that the things of this world will always leave me unsatisfied while satisfaction is found in you. Lead me to find fulfillment in following you. Amen.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?