Proverbs 23:33-35 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again. 

‘Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.’ Alcohol affects both what a person desires and what a person says.

‘Thine eyes shall behold strange women.’ Here, the Hebrew word differs from verse 27 and refers to one who is outside the path of covenant faithfulness, an immoral or seductive woman. Drunkenness weakens moral restraint. Many sins that sober judgment would reject become acceptable to the intoxicated mind. This explains why Scripture repeatedly links drunkenness with sexual immorality.

‘Thine heart shall utter perverse things.’ The heart controls the mouth. When the mind is clouded by alcohol, hidden thoughts are often expressed openly. Speech becomes reckless, vulgar, deceitful, angry, boastful, or blasphemous. The tongue reveals the condition of the heart.

Sixteen characteristics of a wicked heart. The book of Proverbs describes the wicked heart as one that: Despises correction (5:12). Devises continual evil and sows discord (6:14). Imagines wicked schemes (6:18). Lusts after forbidden pleasures (6:25). Is subtle and deceptive (7:10). Is filled with deceit (12:20). Speaks foolishness (12:23). Is proud and arrogant (16:5; 21:4; 28:25). Becomes haughty (18:12). Blames God for its troubles (19:3). Speaks perversely (23:33). Plots harm against others (24:2). Rejoices when others fall (24:17). Conceals evil intentions beneath outward appearances (26:25). Grows increasingly hardened against God (28:14). Trusts in itself rather than in the Lord (28:26).

Alcohol does not create an evil heart, but it removes restraints and often exposes what lies within.

To be continued…