victim of alcoholThe subject of the closing verses of Proverbs 23 is the effect of strong drink and its sinful, destructive association with immorality.  We noted in an earlier devotion that Solomon warned his son of the consequences of indulging his appetite with wine in a series of six questions (23:29-30).   Solomon continues by drawing the destructive association alcohol has with sexual immorality.

Proverbs 23:33 – “Thine eyes shall behold [see; perceive; examine; choose] strange women [adulterous], and thine heart [mind; thoughts; seat of emotions] shall utter [speak; say] perverse things [froward; perverted].”

Having imbibed in wine and weakened his moral inhibitions, a foolish man is easily drawn away by women other than his wife.  He inflames his heart with depraved thoughts and his lips speak that which should never be uttered by a husband to another woman.

Proverbs 23:34“Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down [sleep; take rest] in the midst [heart; center] of the sea, or as he that lieth [sleep; take rest] upon the top of a mast.”

Like a drunkard given watch of the ship as it passes through the sea, an adulterer endangers himself and scars all who love and trust him. victims of adultery

Proverbs 23:35“They have stricken [strike; beat; wound; attack; cast forth] me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick [weak; wounded]; they have beaten [smite; strike down] me, and I felt [perceived; know; comprehend] it not: when shall I awake [arise]? I will seek [require; request; strive after; procure] it yet again [more and more; continue].”

Whether a drunkard inflamed with alcohol or an adulterer enslaved by forbidden lusts, both become insensitive to the shame and sorrow they heap upon those closest to them.  Again and again they choose the company of those who despise them until all is lost.

“Is there hope?” you ask. Absolutely, but only if you, like the prodigal son, are willing to confess your wickedness and cry out to God for forgiveness and restoration.

Luke 15:21-24 “And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son22  But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.”

Copyright 2015 – Travis D. Smith