In Proverbs, chapter twenty, verse one, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” This verse strongly warns about the inherent dangers often associated with drinking alcohol. The scripture refers to the deception by fermented wine, beer, liquor, and other intoxicating beverages used for social events and parties. Here and elsewhere in this book of wisdom, Proverbs addresses a variety of personal and social consequences associated with the indulgence of alcohol consumption.
As a “mocker,” it leads to a decreased capacity for self-control, a weakening of inhibitions, and a disdain for prudent behavior and righteous values, as in Hosea seven, verse five. As “raging,” it contributes to disturbances, conflicts, and families in society, as in Proverbs four, verse seventeen, chapter twenty-three, verses twenty-nine through thirty. It is also associated with inefficiency as seen in Proverbs twenty-one, verse twenty-seven, poverty from Proverbs twenty-three, verses twenty to twenty-one, and injustice, as in Proverbs thirty-one, verses four through five. Rulers are also advised not to drink alcohol since it can affect their decisions, as in Proverbs thirty-one, verses four through nine.
In our contemporary world, in such nations as the example of the land of opportunity, the drinking of alcohol forty years ago was more than fifty percent of all fatal vehicle crashes, seventy-five percent of all crimes committed, and more than thirty percent of all murders. It is also implicated as a factor in sexual immorality, pregnancy outside of marriage, and high divorce rates. Abstinence guarantees avoidance of the pitfalls associated with drinking intoxicating beverages.
For believers, “If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are, as in First Corinthians three, verse seventeen. Drinking alcohol for the godly is ungodly.