Is drinking wine or beer sinful? Yes/No Why? When does it become sinful? It becomes sinful when it leads to drunkenness. It’s not wise to get drunk because we cannot act wisely when we are drunk. Drunkenness is a symptom of overindulgence and a loss of self-discipline.
The roar of a lion is very frightening to people, likewise, those who are drunk are very frightening to people. The normal use of wine on festal occasions was accepted, Proverbs 3:9-10 / Psalm 104:14-15.
But there were constant warnings concerning its use, Amos 6:6 / Hosea 7:5 / Ephesians 5:18. Wisdom teachers know of its dangers, Proverbs 23:29-30.
It is a characteristic of the sluggard that they don’t work when they are supposed to, but they look for a harvest of crops anyway. They know what they want but lack the energy and planning in order to obtain it.
What kind of people would you call a sluggard in today’s society? Someone at college who doesn’t study but still wants the certificate. Someone who wants a new car but doesn’t save up for it.
Deepwater isn’t easily seen or grasped but those who draw it out, have the ability to do so.
True friendship is rare but many people have many superficial friends.
Children will be blessed if their parents live godly lives because they receive the benefits of their parent’s characters.
Those in authority sift out the evidence of the legal cases before them in order to make the right judgment.
The answer to these questions is simply, no one, Romans 3:23 / 1 John 1:8.
Verbal professions and external appearances are not decisive. Performance is essential and this again is a very good verse for us to put into practice today.
When we use our ears and eyes properly, we have the necessities of life. Wisdom teachers were early risers and were concerned about sleeping too much.
Here again, we’re reminded that wisdom is worth more than any wealth, Proverbs 3:15-16.
This could have two meanings.
1. The lender is advised to be stricter with forgiveness than with Israelites, Exodus 22:26-27 / Deuteronomy 15:1-3.
2. If you are dealing with a person who is a bad credit risk, particularly if they are liable for debts of forgiveness, get security for yourself, i.e. take their garments.
The satisfaction of dishonesty may be sweet for a while, but it does not last.
No one should try to conduct a military campaign by themselves, they need the counsel and guidance of others.
The tale-bearer will not keep confidences, so do not associate with him.
Interestingly, this says nothing about legal punishment and the person who curses their parents will bring an appropriate punishment upon themselves, Exodus 21:17 / Leviticus 20:9.
This is simply saying that personal retaliation is not up to man, Romans 12:17.
Different weights refer to cheating and dishonesty. We may never understand why someone would want to cheat on us but the point is, God does, so we shouldn’t worry about finding out why but just trust God to take care of it.
We should count the cost before we commit ourselves or our property to God. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 / Deuteronomy 23:21-23 / Matthew 5:33-37. In Judges 11 Jephthah made a rash vow when he told God he would sacrifice as a burnt offering the first thing which came out of his house which turned out to be his daughter, Judges 11:30-40.
There are a couple of meanings in these verses.
1. Man is made in God’s image and functions like Him.
2. Nothing is hidden from divine scrutiny.
The king needs the support of the people and he himself must manifest these same qualities.
Young men are generally stronger than older men but the beauty of old age is, unfortunately, a lost element today.
This is simply saying that corporal punishment is good for our character.
"Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."