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STUDY 400

Text: Proverbs 31
22 February 2009

Dear Parents,

THE PROBLEM OF DRUNKENNESS
Drunkenness was a problem even in the ancient days! This is not a modern day problem at all! (A number of prophets addressed the problem of drunkenness – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Joel etc). Lemuel knew only too well, just how easily it was for royalty to get caught up with a drinking problem!

It is not for Kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
Lest they drink and forget the law
And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.

Proverbs 31:4-5

1. Duties of the king and princes

a) They have duties of state.

b) They are supposed to uphold the law.

c) They are supposed to ensure that justice always prevails.

2. The harm that can come when people are drunk

a) The law of the land is forgotten.

b) Justice is then not upheld.

c) Justice is instead perverted and the afflicted suffer terrible consequences.

TONGUE-IN-CHEEK
King Lemuel went on to make the following tongue-in-cheek statement!

Give string drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his misery no more.

Proverbs 31:6-7

1. This text should not be read as an excuse to get drunk

2. The plight of the poor, the bitter, the hopeless

This is NOT the plight of kings and princes! Hence, they should not allow themselves to become drunk!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie