Stumbling in Judgment

Isaiah 28:7 But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

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).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):Strong drink causes people to forget what is right and do what is wrong (Proverbs 31:4-5; Isaiah 5:22-23). When Ahasuerus had wine, he asked his wife to do something he normally would not have asked her to do (Esther 1:10-12). When she refused, he was angry and had her dethroned. Later, he could not change his mind (Esther 2:1).

(For everyone):What are some foolish decisions that people might make while under the influence of alcohol? Is it possible that some of those decisions are irreversible?

(For everyone):Have you ever been around others who were controlled by alcohol? Did they make decisions later regretted once they came to their senses?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask God to show you the wickedness of alcohol.

Ask God to give you the wisdom to do right.

SONG

Cleanse Me

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