Proverbs 20:5-14; 1 Corinthians 10:14-11:1
In 2 Chronicles 5:2, we observe that “Solomon summoned all the elders, heads of tribes, and chiefs of the families of Israel to come to Jerusalem and bring up the ark of the LORD’s covenant” (verse 2). The people now “sacrificed so many sheep and cattle that they could not be recorded or counted” (verse 6). They “placed the ark in the Most Holy Place in the temple, and then they withdrew” (verses 7-11). All this was “accompanied by the music of cymbals, harps, lyres, trumpets, and with singing – ‘He is good; His love endures forever;’ and then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud – the glory of the LORD” (verse 13). Chapter 6 gives us Solomon’s dedicatory address before all the people, followed by his blessing upon them. Then Solomon prayed one of the great prayers of Scripture. Consider some of the content of this prayer … “O LORD God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or earth … but will God really dwell on earth with men? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you … O LORD God, hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying … when you hear, forgive … and uphold their cause … O LORD God, clothed with salvation, may your saints rejoice in your goodness” (verses 14-41). This is an amazing prayer, the elements of which we should also include in our own prayers. This prayer fully exalts and praises God. Truly, it proclaims that “God is good, and His love endures forever” (cf.., 2 Chronicles 5:13 and 7:3). In chapter 7, we see God’s response of acceptance and approval – fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering, and the glory of the LORD filled the temple” (verse 1). The people went home joyfully and glad in heart for the good things the LORD had done” (verse 10). When we honor the Lord like this, He makes our hearts glad.
Proverbs 20:5-14 suggests the restrain of our rights. These verses are personally applicable to us, and we should consider adapting them into our daily practices. For example, “wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise” (verse 1). This is not a commandment against drinking wine or beer. However, this principle establishes God’s wisdom about alcohol. God is simply saying that wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. People who drink must recognize that – by their indulgence – they willingly subject themselves to alcohol’s escalating effects – mocking and brawling – both behaviors that God directly opposes (cf., Proverbs 15:12; 19:29; 21:9; 22:10; 29:8; Ephesians 4:31-32; 1 Timothy 6:4; and James 4:1-3). Moreover, because it is a spirit, alcohol contains the additional capacity to influence and lead people “astray” (verse 1). Those who allow themselves to be so manipulated “are not wise” (verse 1). Put another way, they are foolish. How much does Proverbs have to say about fools and foolishness? God leaves the decision about all these principles up to us, but He warns us to make wise choices. Few people are adequately or properly equipped to handle alcohol or its outcomes – mocking and brawling.
In 1 Corinthians 10:14 -11:1, Paul concludes his treatise on offensive behavior. In this section, he emphasizes that idolatry has no place in the Christian life, so those who partake of the Lord’s supper must exercise a sanctified life style – separated and removed from the Corinthian practice of idol worship. Later, Paul will further address Corinthian divisiveness and disunity, as revealed by their approach to the Lord’s Supper (cf., 1 Corinthians 11:20-21). He asserts that, if “we all share the one loaf” (verse 17), and because that “loaf” is Christ, then we cannot properly participate both in worldly practices and in those of our Lord without compromise or hypocrisy. We are called to a life of holiness and faithfulness to Christ, and we are expected to exemplify Him in our daily lives. In Christ, we have freedom, but the highest exercise of our freedom is the restraint of our rights for the “constructive benefit and the good of others” (verses 23-24). It’s not always easy to do this, and in this sinful world, inevitably we will experience push-back – even from other Christians. Nevertheless, our ultimate purpose should be to “do all for the glory of God” (verse 31). If that is our underlying motive, God will ensure the outcome.