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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: Hi Bro. Tim, I followed your suggestion and listened carefully to the first 3 parts John MacArthurs series on the "Spirit Filled Life". Frankly, I found it to be less than convincing. His arguement rests heavily on the alcoholic content (if any) of Biblical wine. Here is the rejoinder to Dr. MacArthur: "The Wine of the Bible Undoubtedly, the starting point for any rational discussion of the matter must be with the nature of the wine in Scripture. The moderationist position is that the wine righteously employed by and allowed for consumption among God's people in the Bible is a fermented quality, alcoholic content beverage. Consider the evidence for this assertion. 1. Lexical Consensus. The leading Old and New Testament lexicons and etymological dictionaries affirm that the major terms used of wine represent a fermented beverage, a "wine", not "grape juice." The most important terms for the debate that are employed in Scripture are yayin and shekar (Hebrew) and oinos (Greek).[3] 2. Translational Consensus. The major English translations of Scripture translate these words by English equivalents that bespeak alcoholic beverages, rather than terms such as "juice," "grape juice," and so forth. Translations include: "wine," "strong drink," "liquor," and "beer."[4] 3. Lexical Relationship. One of the major words in our debate is shekar ("strong drink," NASB). It is the noun form of the verb shakar, which means "become drunk."[5] This is evidence of the inebriating capacity of shekar. 4. Contextual Usage. Many of the verses that condemn drunkenness (see footnote 2) make reference to such beverages as yayin, shekar, and oinos. In addition, yayin is said to "make glad the heart" in a number of places.[6] This surely has reference to the effect of an alcoholic beverage, when used in moderation.[7] 5. Descriptive Reference. In certain places in Scripture the aging of the liquid express of the grape is specifically mentioned (Is. 25:5, 6; Luke 5:39). Aging is an essential factor for wine to be alcoholic.[8] 6. Circumspection Requirement. On some occasions, "strong" Christians are instructed to forgo the use of wine (Rom. 14:21), when there is a serious likelihood of "destroying" (Rom 14:15) a "weaker brother" (Rom. 14:1; 15:1). This surely indicates the temporary forgoing of an alcoholic beverage, rather than grape juice. 7. Ecclesiastical Expectation. Church officers are required to use wine in moderation (I Tim. 3:8; Tit. 2:3), indicating its fermented quality and intoxicating capacity. 8. Qualified Silence. Interestingly, there are no Biblical distinctions between "safe" wines.[9] Scripture lacks any commendation of "new wine" (fresh grape juice) over and exclusive of "old wine" (fermented beverages). Scripture lacks any commendation of watered wine over undiluted wine (it even disparages water wine, Is. 1:22). Scripture lacks any encouragement to retarding fermentation, which occurs naturally. Evidence exists that wine was intentionally exposed in order to accelerate the fermentation process (Is. 25:6; Jer. 48:11)." ( Kenneth Gentry, Th.D.) Time to go to work. Thanks, John |