March 28, 2010 Pastor Scott Snowden
 WISDOM
Proverbs- Profound Truth in Simple Terms
#4. The Wisdom of Sobriety…
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler;
whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Proverbs 20:1
We live in a society that loves to live large! We have been told that if some is good, more is better! We apply this “truth” to our partying, our entertainment choices and our leisure time activities. But do we ever stop and question our commitment to excess? The percentage of Americans with addictions or compulsive behaviors is staggering! Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex/pornography, eating disorders, debt/spending; we are a nation out of control. Advertising and Hollywood have sold a dishonest bill of goods. What is the “truth?” What would a wise man believe? Let’s see what God says…
- I am wise to recognize the _DANGERS_ of an addictive/compulsive behavior.
In the end it (alcohol) bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.
Proverbs 23:32
Your eyes will see strange sights
and your mind will imagine (speak) confusing things.
You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.
“They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt!
They beat me, but I don’t feel it!”
Proverbs 23:33-35
- Blurred/distorted vision
- Impaired mental ability
- Loss of motor skills (speech, balance, coordination)
- Injury due to any/all of the above
- _SOCIAL/RELATIONSHIP_ consequences…
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler…
Proverbs 20:1
Who has strife?
Proverbs 23:29
A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the Lord.
Proverbs 19:3
… for drunkards and gluttons become poor
and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
Proverbs 23:21
- _EMOTIONAL_ consequences…
Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Proverbs 23:29
- _MEDICAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL_ consequences…
“When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”
Proverbs 23:35
- I am wise to acknowledge that it could happen to _ME_.
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18
Who can say, “I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin”?
Proverbs 20:9
- I am wise to _AVOID_THE_BEHAVIOR_ before it starts.
- Avoid the _”POISON”_ itself.
Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup…
Proverbs 23:31
“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl.”
Job 31:1
- It is easier to say “No!” than it is to say “No more!”
- Avoid the _PEOPLE_ that would lead me into trouble.
Do not join with those who drink too much wine
or gorge themselves on meat…
Proverbs 23:20
- A true friend will help me to succeed, not help me to fail.
- Avoid the _PLACES/PRESSURES_ that feed the addiction/compulsion.
Without wood a fire goes out…
Proverbs 26:20
- If you know the dog bites, stay out of its yard!
- I am wise to seek help when I _SUCCUMB_TO_ the behavior.
- Confess it to God and ask for _FORGIVENESS_.
Whoever conceals his sins does not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Proverbs 28:13
- Addiction is a sin before it becomes a sickness
- Find a trustworthy friend who will hold me _ACCOUNTABLE_.
Wounds from a friend can be trusted…
Proverbs 27:6
- If I had the “ _WILLPOWER_” to control my behavior/thoughts, I wouldn’t have become addicted in the first place.
- If the addictive/compulsive behavior becomes a _SICKNESS_, seek medical/psychological help.
- When the addiction/compulsion starts to make decisions for me, it is time to get professional help.
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