Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Cross references for the use of alcohol: The woes of excessive drinking (23:29-35). Christians are warned against drunkenness (Eph. 5:18).
‘Whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.’ Being “deceived” means thinking one can handle alcohol without harm. Foolishness is revealed when one loses self-control or acts contrary to reason and God’s law. True wisdom requires temperance, self-discipline, and discernment, and at all times, be sober!! (1Thess. 5:6, 8; Tit. 2:2, 4, 6; 1Pet. 1:13; 5:8).
Eight Biblical examples of intoxication: Noah (Gen. 9:20-21) drank from the fruit of his vineyard and got drunk, lay uncovered in his tent, leading to family shame and generational curses. Lot (Gen. 19:30-38) – Intoxicated daughters led to incestuous acts. Nabal (1Sam. 25:36) – his drunkenness provoked foolish and violent behaviour. Elah, the king of Israel (1Kin. 16:8-10) – under the influence, made poor judgments, leading to assassination by Zimri. Benhadad (1Kin. 20:16-21) – relying on drink led to overconfidence and military miscalculations in battle; he lost the advantage in the conflict. Ephraim (Isa. 28:7) – Their soldiers were weakened by wine, failed in leadership and discernment because their judgment was impaired. Belshazzar (Dan. 5:1-31) – Drunken revelry led to profaning holy vessels; he ignored God’s warning; he fell that same night. Nineveh (Nahum 1:10) – alcohol contributed to social decay and vulnerability to judgment; the city was ultimately destroyed. These examples demonstrate that intoxication often leads to shame, moral lapse, and, in some cases, divine judgment.
Living the Word 