There are many stories of those overcome with a sense of embarrassment resulting from their actions while under the influence. As they increasingly yielded to the power of strong drink, they did things they later regretted once sober. This is what the Bible means about alcohol when it says it causes men to “stumble in judgment.” No doubt many of God’s people like Noah (Genesis 9:21-25) and Lot (Genesis 19:31-36) had regrets as they became sober. The Bible tells of Nabal who “was very drunken” and foolishly refused to help king David (1 Samuel 25:1-17, 36). When he came to himself, Abigail told her husband all that had transpired during his drunken stupor. After he heard of his foolish actions, the Bible says that “his heart died within him” (1 Samuel 25:37).
The world has falsely presented alcoholic consumption as a thing pleasurable, similar to the now politically incorrect cigarette advertisements of a few decades ago. Contrary to the one marketed to the world, the Bible presents a completely opposing portrait. Though changes subtly occur, alcohol eventually takes control of those who choose to continue their early participation. The Bible says, “Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!” (Isaiah 5:11). Drinking may begin as a source of pleasure and stress reduction but it rarely, if ever, ends there. The ultimate outcome of the intake of alcohol is its consumption by a person from daytime until he drinks himself silly at night. The Bible describes some of the physical effects of this practice as contentions, babbling, and redness of eyes. It also describes some of the by-products as woe, sorrow, and wounds without cause. A sane world obedient to God would reject such outcomes if only they knew, understood, and obeyed the truth.
Carnal Christians and those who do not know the Lord consider judging others as the greatest of sins. The opposite actually holds true. Believers fail when they refuse to judge “righteous judgment.” So often, men judge people and situations simply by what is seen or through an emotional response. Yet, this is completely contrary to the scriptural admonition to judge. Instead, we are to “judge righteous judgment.” How can this be consistently done? First and foremost, we need a righteous standard by which to compare all things. In John 12:48, we learn of that righteous standard when the Lord Jesus said that His words would judge men. The Bible is a perfect Book containing perfect laws and offers a perfect standard for making judgments. Therefore, all judgment should be based upon the infallible standards provided by God within His glorious word. We will never go wrong with judging according to God’s perfect standard.
