Title

Strong Drink

Scripture
Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
(Proverbs 31:6-7)
Devotional
To understand this proverb we have to consider the context in which it is found. We are told that this is not for kings,[35] those in leadership positions. It is for those without hope; and the only people without hope are those without Christ. A lesser view is that strong drink and wine are to be given for medical or therapeutic purposes. The apostle Paul does instructed Timothy, "No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities."[36] Either view indicates that the healthy need not partake of intoxicants. In the total context of the Bible we surely understand that there is no room for drunkenness. "Wine ?is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise."[37] Likewise, let us, "Understand ? what the will of the Lord is. ?And ? do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit."[38]