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NASB | Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler; And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. [Prov 23:29, 30; Is 28:7; Hos 4:11] |
Subject: Don't understand Jesus's view on alcohol |
Bible Note: Emmaus, Just a point of information: There is little doubt that our Lord Jesus drank wine at His Passover supper. You're right in saying that Jews still drink wine at the Seder (Hebrew: order) - in fact, the rabbis command them to drink 4 cups of wine that night. That is symbolic of the 4 promises of God found in Exodus 6:6-7. Consumption is spaced throughout the entire evening. Our family's Seder lasts nearly 4 hours, and my father-in-law makes the wine (kosher) which has a higher alcohol content than normal. By the way, you can purchase Kosher wine for Passover in grocery stores, and even thru your local synagogue. No one drinks the entire cup each time, since the purpose is to observe the mitzvah (Hebrew: commandment) and not to just get drunk. Judaism has very strong views on drunkenness. Each time that wine is consumed as part of ritual, a blessing is said, giving thanks to God for this "fruit of the vine." Psalm 104:15 refers to "wine that cheers the hearts of men" and it is indeed a night to rejoice the deliverance from bondage by God's strong arm. We celebrate the Sabbath with a small taste of wine (after the blessing is said) at the end of the Shabbat service. Yet, while wine is a part of ritual for Jews (who do not observe the New Testament), I am in agreement with my Christian brothers and sisters who understand that alcohol can damage your witness. Since alcohol consumption can lead easily to sin, it should be avoided. For Jews who drink it as part of worship, it is to honor God. For Christians who abstain completely, it is to honor God. Some of the discussion about alcohol resembles the legalistic arguments of Pharisees. The Bible is full of examples of the downfall of man from the abuse of alcohol. Perhaps, we should regard it as the "blood" and that way, we could hold ourselves to a more reverent state when tempted to abuse wine. Note that Proverbs 20:1 is simply a warning about the results of over-indulgence of wine. The full Hebrew translation of this verse is "Wine is a scoffer (and strong drink or grain alcohol is a roisterer.) He who is muddled by them will not grow wise." The term "them" pretains to wine and strong alcohol-based drinks. Most wine is not a "strong drink". "Muddled" means a state beyond just a ritual taste. The rest of the verses in Proverbs 20 contain more wisdom about our conduct in life. |