What influences us?

TODAY’S PROVERB: Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is unwise. Proverbs 20:1

Today’s proverb brings a different perspective of alcohol. It’s an interesting perspective — treating alcohol as something that influences us.

An influencer has the capacity or power over people; an influencer can be a compelling force on people’s actions, behavior, or opinions. An influencer can lead those who are unwise astray.

Not everyone is influenced by alcohol. Some can take a few sips or a glass and are fine. But if we search for the place of indulgence then alcohol may be leading us astray.

Yes, wine or strong drink can cause behaviors we wouldn’t normally do otherwise, but there are other influencers out there. Does food or entertainment cause us to indulge in ways we wouldn’t normally do? Does social media or political events cause us to lose control of our tempers?

Like an ill-behaved person, do we allow “mockers” or “brawlers” to bully us into following along? When we live a wise life, we’re able to make wise decisions. We notice folly in others and ourselves.

May we be wise and not be led astray by anything, my friends.

Proverbs 20:1 Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs