Today's Proverb is Proverbs 23. This chapter has a lot to do with discipline, gluttony and alcohol. It promotes discipline, shuns gluttony (of food or riches or any other object) and condemns drunkenness. As to gluttony, in verse 2 it goes so far as to suggest cutting your own throat rather than coveting a rich man's food or possessions. Who knew that was in the Bible? As to alcohol, the Bible nowhere condemns drinking alcohol, no matter what you have heard. Jesus drank wine (Luke 7:33-34). God commanded the Israelites to drink at their feasts and ceremonies. The Bible does not condemn drinking, but it does condemn becoming drunk and gives many practical reasons why. Here are some verses that stood out to me (quoted from the New American Standard Bible, NASB):
23:4-5:
"Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, Cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings like an eagle that flies towards heaven."
What this is saying is that you shouldn't kill yourself to get rich. After Pro 23:1-3 which come before it, which is a warning against coveting or desiring the deceitfulness of money and things, this is very practical advice. Notice that it does not say "Do not work to gain wealth" or even "Do not work hard to gain wealth". Hard work is commanded and expected in the Bible (Pro 6:6-8, etc.). But the reasons have to do with common sense and wisdom, not with hoarding. You may have to weary yourself to get out of certain dire financial situations, such as to get out of debt, or to save for a house, but these things are not "to gain wealth". More than your behavior, this proverb warns against the intent. The Bible nowhere condemns the wealthy, but it condemns those who are selfish with what they have, and those who have made money or things into an idol.
