Text: Proverbs 31:4 KJV
Further Reading: Proverbs 31:4-7
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
Proverbs 31:4 NKJV
MESSAGE
Kings are leaders and the livelihood of their subjects depends on how they govern. A wise King will lead a peaceful and prosperous community, but a pervert will ruin everything. In the same light, we believers are called to lead. We are the light bearers, we are to model the true life of God to men, and can not be anything less.
We know that this world is in darkness and men are seeking answers, they are looking for direction and solutions – you can only be an answer to a problem you are not a victim of.
In our text and reading of the day, the Bible says clearly that strong drinks (alcohol) is not for kings and princes, but for those who are ready to perish. By this God is saying that only a man who will love to ruin his life will give himself to alcohol? Are you a king or queen? Then alcohol is not for you.
Child of God, don’t let anyone sweet tongue you into believing that you can drink alcohol as long as you can control yourself when God is saying it is not for you. There are so many warnings in the Bible against it. One of them is found in Proverbs 20:1, and it says:
Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Proverbs 20:1 NKJV
If you continue to live your life drinking alcohol, what then is the evidence of the new life in you? The Bible says in 1 Peter 4:3 that such lifestyles were in our past. Since we have come into this new life, we can no longer live that way, old things are passed away and behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Any person that God will use for His glory can not be one given to alcohol. In selecting church leaders, one of the qualities to consider is a non-drinking lifestyle (Titus 1:7, 2:3; 1 Timothy 3:3, 8). While the angel came to announce the birth of John, he described him as one who will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.
Luke 1:15 NKJV
Those who want to be used by God for His glory can not be given to alcohol, it is not for kings to drink wine.
REFLECTION
And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 NKJV
Rather than being intoxicated with wine, be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will give you the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.
PRAYER
Father, please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and let me overflow in grace and power.
