Saying number 19 is from Proverbs 23:29-35.  It says,

29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?

30 Those who linger long over wine, those who go to taste mixed wine.

31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly; [Believed to be referring to the strength of the wine]

32 At the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper. [A study has been done of babies with Alcohol Fetal Syndrome and the finding was that the blood of the baby has the same effects as one bitten by a venomous snake.]

33 Your eyes will see strange things and your mind will utter perverse things.

34 And you will be like one who lies down in the middle of the sea, or like one who lies down on the top of a mast. [Foolish and out of control]

35 “They struck me, but I did not become ill; they beat me, but I did not know it. When shall I awake? I will seek another drink.”

Scripture has much to say about excess in every area of life.  In the verses above Solomon dedicates a whole section within the “Thirty Sayings of the Wise” concerning the abuse of strong drink.  It ruins lives. Not only our own, but those connected to us.

Proverbs 20:1 says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.”

Ephesians 5:18 says, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,”

Proverbs 26:11 says, “Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.”

Galatians 5:19-21 says, “19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are:  immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions,  factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you [Paul is saying that I’m telling you AGAIN as it is vital for your salvation], that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of Elohim.”

While this is strong language, it can save our soul.  It has often been analogized that it’s the same as rescuing someone trapped inside of a house on fire when you rescue them from the burning desires that seek to destroy their lives. If it’s us that needs rescuing, we will thank the one who had the courage to step “inside the burning house” to set us free. The Spirit of Wisdom will shed light in our hearts and guide us to our help.  We do not have to remain in the burning desires of the flesh and addiction!! This pattern can apply to anything listed in Galatians 5 concerning the deeds of the flesh.  This is the season to be set free and delivered from every weight, sin and attitude that is buffeting our walk that we’ve been called to live out.

Have a blessed and shalom filled day!!

Tammy

Courtesy of

River of Life Tabernacle
Tammy McLendon
Great peace have they who love Your law. Psalm 119:165a