Wisdom - Part 21

The lesson taught on February 25, 2024 was part 21 of the “Wisdom” study. We are transitioning out of the wisdom that is specifically shared to us directly to that that which is sent to Solomon, as a Prince and a King. Proverbs 19:20-27 is a call to hear. Proverbs 19:28-21:1 addresses personal conduct. Chapter 20:1 start out by addressing the use of wine. Traditionally, the thought of drinking wine is evil. Well, we want to have a biblical understanding of wine. Looking at the use of wine in Proverbs it is mentioned in Prov. 3:10; 4:17; 9:2, 5; 20:1; 21:17; 23:30-31; 31:4,6,7 KJV. In these passages, we see proper use of wine and improper uses. Wine is fermented to it is alcoholic. The Apostle Paul addresses Wine in these verses: (All KJV) Rom. 14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 1 Tim. 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 1 Tim. 3:8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 1 Tim. 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. Tit. 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; Tit. 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;. We looked at a story in 1 Samuel about three people: David, Abigail and Nabal. This story was an excellent view of the proper use of wine. The lesson ended with a focus on Proverbs 20:25 KJV giving wisdom to those about ready to enter into marriage.

The scripture reading was from 1 Samuel 25:36-38 KJV 36 And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. 37 But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. 38 And it came to pass about ten days after, that the Lord smote Nabal, that he died.