Proverbs 23:29
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Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
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If a criminal did this damage, he would be locked away. If it were a companion, he would be avoided in the future. But the pain was chosen! And it is often repeated!
Our proverb describes a drunk. As the context says, wine is the culprit (23:30-31)! And by virtue of relation, strong drink or any alcoholic beverages are included (20:1; 31:4-6).
But the problem is not wine: see the comments on 20:1. It is drinking too much wine and becoming intoxicated or drunk that brings these consequences. Observe Christian reader, it is those who tarry long at the wine (23:30). It is those who drink so much they are as out of sorts with their bodies as those lying down on the mast of a ship (23:34-35).
Wine is a wonderful creation of the infinitely wise God, who designed it to make man's heart glad (Ps 104:14-15). Its purpose is at least as noble as bread, which makes his heart strong, and oil, which makes his face to shine. Its intended effects of relaxation and cheer have always been known and justified by good men (31:6-7; Eccl 10:19; Judges 9:13).
But as man has done since Eden, he abuses God's creation and receives the just reward (Eccl 7:29). From a moderate amount for joy, pleasure, and gladness, man drinks excessively with no more pleasure and receives the damage and trouble in our proverb.
The trouble and sin from wine comes from drinking to excess (Eph 5:18). Wine is not the problem; drunkenness is the problem. Wine moderately used is a wonderful blessing; but wine excessively abused is a horrible enemy. Guns don't kill, but murderers use guns.
Many other innocent creations of God are similar. Bread is not a problem; but eating too much bread is gluttony and leads to obesity and health complications. Knowing God's will and Christian liberty allow us to enjoy His wonderful gift of wine. But this liberty can never be used to the lusts of the flesh and drunkenness. Wine is a mocker! Beware!
The Jews called our Lord a winebibber for drinking wine (Mat 11:19), but we know He never chose to drink too much (John 8:29). Let us follow His holy example (I Cor 11:1).
What a destructive enemy! Look at the effects! Count the troubles! Measure the pain! One thing did all this to a person! And he brought it on himself by his own choice!
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