Proverbs 23:31-32 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 

‘At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.’ The keywords are: “At the last.” Scripture asks us to judge alcohol not by its beginning but by its ending. The comparison to a serpent teaches several truths. A snake bite may appear suddenly, inject deadly poison, produce lasting injury, and sometimes lead to death.

Likewise, drunkenness slowly poisons judgment, health, relationships, character, and spiritual life. Pleasure or escape is temporary. The consequences endure.

Seven characteristics of drunkenness: [1] Intemperance (23:30-31). Self-control disappears. [2] Mental confusion and delirium (23:32). Judgment becomes impaired, and thinking becomes irrational. [3] Sexual immorality (23:33). Alcohol lowers moral restraint and often leads to impurity. [4] Foolish and perverse speech (23:33). Words become reckless and harmful. [5] Reeling and instability (23:34). The body loses coordination and balance. [6] Insensibility (23:35). Pain and danger are ignored or unnoticed. [7] Bondage. Instead of controlling alcohol, the drunkard becomes controlled by it.

Proverbs 23:31-32 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 

‘Look not thou upon the wine when it is red…’ This verse moves from the consequences of drunkenness to the beginning of temptation. The command is striking: “Look not.” The warning is directed toward the attraction before the intoxication. The description portrays fermented wine sparkling in the cup, rich in colour, smooth to drink, and attractive to the eye.

Scripture recognises that temptation often begins with what appeals to the senses. Sin is rarely presented as ugly. It appears attractive, pleasurable, sophisticated, harmless, and enjoyable. Yet outward beauty often conceals inward destruction.

The wise person does not merely resist sin after becoming entangled; he avoids its attraction before it gains influence. This principle applies far beyond alcohol. Believers are called to avoid whatever entices the heart toward sin.

To be continued…