Proverbs 31:4-5 (ESV)
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
it is not for kings to drink wine,
or for rulers to take strong drink,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
King Lemuel’s mother continues to instruct her son so that he might lead with wisdom. The queen advises him to turn away from the desire to overindulge in alcohol. If intoxicated, the king might ignore justice, even taking advantage of the poor entrusted to his care.The king must be alert, ready to rule rightly over his realm at all times. In the same way, all who walk wisely should exercise extreme caution when drinking alcohol. The righteous one must be continually ready to do the work of the Lord and should never be found “checking out.”Would you feel comfortable giving godly counsel or praying after a few drinks? What about those around you who may struggle with an addiction to alcohol? Will your participation embolden them to partake of something they should reject all together? Don’t allow alcohol to create distance between you and the Lord, cloud your judgment, or stumble others today.