Do not be deceived thereby…

In Proverbs 20:1, Solomon describes wine as a mocker and strong drink as raging. Whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Wine mocks, derides, ridicules and teases its consumer. Allowing ourselves to be deceived by it shows a lack of wisdom. What will be the evidence of one who has allowed themselves to be deceived by it? Is it the one who has only taken it to a level of drunkenness? I would suggest that the deception is seen in the one who reads Provers 20:1 and decides to partake of wine and strong in spite of the warning. Wine is a mocker; strong drink is raging and powerful; how can one make a wise choice regarding this information?

Don’t get drunk and only drink in moderation…????????????????????????????????

What is the best decision that we can make with the information given to us in Proverbs 20:1?

We use wisdom when we listen and respond to the admonition in scripture. Proverbs 23:31 “Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly…”

Why? Wine is a mocker even though it looks inviting, sparkles in the cup and appears to go down smoothly, the end result is as follows:

“At the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper.”  (Proverbs 23:32)

To appreciate the analogy and imagery that the Holy Spirit intended, consider researching viper bites. Examine their effects and consequences closely. A viper bite is ugly and often fatal; without a quick response with antivenom, the mortality rate approaches 100%. The black mamba is among the five deadliest snakes in the world. Its venom directly targets the nerves. It attacks the central nervous system and shuts down major organs. Within twenty minutes of being bitten, you lose the ability to speak. After an hour, you fall into a coma, and within six hours, death is inevitable. This powerful imagery was chosen by the Holy Spirit to convey the severe dangers of alcohol.

“Your eyes will see strange things and your heart will utter perverse things.” (Proverbs 23:33) “Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?” (Proverbs 23:34 – 35)

This describes a man who has completely lost control of himself. He sees things that do not exist. The drunk has no idea where he is. He gets beaten up without feeling or remembering it. Finally, when he wakes up, he goes back and repeats it all over again. There is no wisdom in pursuing a path that leads to the state of Proverbs 23:34-35.