THE
BOOK OF GOD'S PROMISES
Alcohol
and Other Substance Abuse
By
J. Steven Lang
CBN.com
-- In recent years people have become more conscious of alcohol and other
substance abuse. In spite of our growing awareness of the personal and social
harm that is done, we seem to be losing the drug war, and alcoholism is on the
rise. What does the Bible say about such practices? Well, you will search
in vain for a verse that says, "Don't drink alcohol, period." And the Bible says
nothing whatsoever about illegal drugs, since they weren't available in Bible
times. But the Bible does have much to say about any substance that harms us mentally
and spiritually. Happily, it also has much to say about the alternatives to a
chemical high. Wine produces mockers; liquor leads to brawls. Whoever is led
astray by drink cannot be wise. Proverbs 20:1 Those who love pleasure become
poor; wine and luxury are not the way to riches. Proverbs 21:17 Do not carouse
with drunkards and gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty. Too much sleep
clothes a person with rags. Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always
fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot
eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks.
Don't let the sparkle and smooth taste of wine deceive you. For in the end it
bites like a poisonous serpent; it stings like a viper. You will see hallucinations,
and you will say crazy things. You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging
to a swaying mast. And you will say, "They hit me, but I didn't feel it. I didn't
even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can have another drink?"
Proverbs 23:20-21, 29-35 Destruction is certain for you who get up early
to begin long drinking bouts that last late into the night. Destruction is
certain for those who are heroes when it comes to drinking, who boast about all
the liquor they can hold. They take bribes to pervert justice. They let the wicked
go free while punishing the innocent. Therefore, they will all disappear like
burning straw. Their roots will rot and their flowers wither, for they have rejected
the law of the LORD Almighty. They have despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
Isaiah 5:11, 22-24 Watch out! Don't let me find you living in careless ease
and drunkenness, and filled with the worries of this life. Don't let that day
catch you unaware, as in a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on
the earth. Luke 21:34 Those who belong to the Kingdom of God should lead
a life that reflects what God desires for his people. Paul makes it clear that
this does not include altering our mind and behavior with chemical substances
instead of finding our fulfillment in God. We should be decent and true in
everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don't participate
in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting
and jealousy. Romans 13:13 Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin
your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Ephesians 5:18
See also Sickness, Temptation.
The Book of God's Promises -- Copyright, 1999 by J.
Stephen Lang. All rights reserved, used with permission.
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