Proverbs 23:31 (NASBStr)
Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it goes down smoothly;
When we are ruled by our senses and not by our convictions the story of Proverbs 23:29-35 is bore out in a life. Wine, like all alcohol, has an appeal that can move us, even by its sight. Our world today display image after image of the "virtues" of drink. The party scene; the gregarious nature; the sexual appeal all lay a part in the marketing of the "wine." In Solomon's day wine was a staple of the diet. In his world the "red wine" would have been the best wine. Red wine was so good it was said to "speak to you." The flashy appeal is described. The smoothness of it when consumed is laid out before us. Solomon is not forbidding wine, as much as he is drunkenness. However, he is telling us that the best way to avoid being deceived by her titillation is to abstain. DO NOT LOOK! This has a familiar ring to it when we remember our Savior's words that if our right eye or right hand offend us: PLUCK IT OUT, CUT IF OFF, was His admonishment (Matthew 18:19). If we are lead into the temptation of over indulgence the only relief is complete avoidance. We can try to manage it, but in the end, wine will win. We are not to be controlled by our senses but by our conviction and our sense of purpose. Much of this world can draw us into sin by the appeal of the senses. The only way to avoid that type of temptation and indulgence is complete eradication of opportunity. Take away the look and the wine loses its power. Paul tells us in the book of Romans to make no provision for the flesh which would allow the lust of our bodies to be fulfilled. (Romans 13:14). That should be our guidepost throughout our days. It will keep us from the ways of red wine.
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