Shalom,
Proverbs 31:4-7:
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 Lest they drink and forget the law and what it decrees, and pervert the justice due any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready too pass away, and wine to him in bitter distress of heart. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and [seriously] remember his want and misery no more.
Many people have very definite ideas about whether or not believers should drink wine or other intoxicating beverages. Some have even gone so far as to say that the wine that Jesus drank was actually just grape juice. That is simply not true. Although He may have had grape juice, too, no one would have called him a "winebibber" if that were true! We see this in 1 Corinthians 6:12:
12 Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power.
When we take this verse along with Ephesians 5:18:
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
...we see that, though we are free to make our choice in whether we drink or not, we are NOT to be drunk! Now take our verses from Proverbs 31 (above) along with Revelation 1:3 (written to born again believers):
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
We ARE kings in the eyes of Almighty God. The exhortation in Proverbs 31 is that it is not wise for kings to drink wine or other intoxicating drinks. It is lawful, it is just not expedient (profitable, advantageous or useful) or wise! As with ALL things in life, the choice is yours. Choose wisely!
The rest of Proverbs 31 is instructing young men what to look for in a godly wife! The most important verse to remember is verse 30:
30 Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!
If the beauty you see on the outside of a person, whether man or woman, does not originate on the inside, from a born again spirit and a soul that loves the Lord, then it will eventually turn very ugly! Without HIM, we are of NO worth! Here is a Hillsong United song from their Aftermath CD called "Search My Heart":
Colossians 4:2-6:
2 Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving. 3 And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison; 4 That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty. 5 Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. 6 Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].
This is a MUST place to start for the believer in Jesus as Lord and Saviour, who wants to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant" from the Lord! Begin with these basics and then add to this your personal ministry that the Holy Spirit will lead you in! Rewards await in Heaven, AND on the earth, for those who are obedient to His Word and His calling! AMEN!
Shalom in Him!
