Beech Tree News Network

 When we oppose the sale of alcohol based upon Biblical truth, it is inevitable that some will try to justify the recreational use of alcohol by saying things like “God doesn’t condemn drinking, just getting drunk.” I do not question someone’s sincerity when this argument is made, but the statement is just not Biblically accurate. While there is no question that God condemns drunkenness (I Cor. 6:10; Gal. 5:21; I Cor. 5:11; etc.), the Bible also makes it clear that God wants us to stay away from alcohol from the start. For example, Proverbs 23:31 says don’t even look at the wine. In other words, don’t even get started. Verse 32 speaks of what happens “at the last.” Yet, we must understand that there were be no “at the last” if there were not a “first”! Thus, Proverbs 23:32 is telling us to not start drinking by warning what happens as a consequence. I Peter 4:3 condemns the drinking of alcohol, whether one does it in a “social” sense, or getting a “buzz” and losing inhibitions, or getting passed-out drunk! Based upon these clear passages, I wonder how folks could say that something God condemns will make us “better” as a people if we legalize it?

    There are other questions that have been asked in reference to drinking alcohol. One of these questions I have included below. This person strikes me as a sincere person, and I imagine other sincere people have had the same question.

    Question: “I want to know your thoughts on the following: Proverbs 31:6-7 King James Version (KJV) 6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.”

    My answer: “Proverbs 31:6-7 is to be kept in context with Proverbs 31:1-5. These are the words of King Lemuel’s mother to him as he rules. In our study, Proverbs 31:6-7 is to be contrasted with verses 4-5. It is not for kings and folks in authority to drink because they will forget God’s word when intoxicated. In contrast, give alcohol to folks who are “ready to perish.” In other words, the strong drink was given to someone as a painkiller when he is ready to die. It would be comparable to morphine, certain narcotics, and other painkillers given by our doctors for certain patients in the 21st century. We give these drugs to folks who are nearing death when we try to make them as comfortable as possible. This is the idea behind Proverbs 31:6-7. “The Jews say that upon this was grounded the practice of giving a stupifying drink to condemned prisoners when they were going to execution …” (Matthew Henry Commentary).

    Proverbs 31:6-7 is not a contradiction of verses 4-5. Verses 6-7 looks at a completely different set of people for a completely different purpose. It is in use as a medicine in this case, a painkiller, something to relieve someone of pain who is nearing death, whether through physical or mental anguish.

    If you have been following my writings on this subject, you’ll notice I used the terms ‘recreational use of alcohol.’ This is because I was aware of this verse in Proverbs 31. Giving a painkiller to a dying man is not the use of alcohol that is being voted on in Butler County on January 26.

    I hope this has been helpful to you in your study of God’s word. Thank you for writing.”

    In like manner, I hope these are helpful to all who read these words. Alcohol will not make us a “better” people. It is not for our benefit. Let us vote “no” on January 26.

 You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167