Putting cows on the front page since 1885.
A few days ago my brother sent my sister and me a bill. As mentioned in my previous column, the three of us traveled over 1,000 toll road miles to Illinois to visit with family from England. The trip lasted what amounted to a few hours over parts of two days. Keep in mind that one of those we came to see was our 3-month-old great-niece. When we saw the total amount for the trip, divided by three we realized it was not cheap but definitely worth it. We enjoyed talking for hours in the vehicle, eating meals together (including deep dish pizza), and the most precious aspect – holding little Cara and seeing her smile. Many times in life we must ask ourselves the question “Is it worth it?”
My wife is doing research on our TV bill as I type these words. Our carrier recently dropped the Pirate and Penguin games. How can a guy like me go on?! When I think about how much we spend each year to watch very little TV, it seems like the actors and athletes should make personal appearances in our home for that price! We are asking if it is worth it.
As we look at Proverbs 23 there are certainly verses where the same basic question is asked. We must count the cost and evaluate things in life. Sometimes bad choices can be very costly in various ways. Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle (Prov. 23:4-5). The topic of money and how we earn it is a big one. I think the teachings here include the dangers of making so much money becoming a priority and that fact that it disappears quickly anyway. As John MacArthur said, “Rather than wearing oneself out pursuing wealth, pursue the wisdom of God and what glorifies him, and he will bless with prosperity as he chooses.” The love of money (1 Tim. 6.9-10) is an obvious problem and takes people where they do not want to go. Many people “have it all” but worked themselves ragged to get it or got it in unscrupulous ways. Is it worth it, especially when we do not take stuff to heaven?
Perhaps no book in the Bible repeats words, phrases, and principles as much as this wisdom book. Of course, the pursuit of wisdom is the main theme. Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge (12). Words such as these are mentioned throughout the book. It does not seem that we should need reminded so often of what matters and what we shall pursue. God knows our hearts. He knows that we easily get distracted as we chase after and settle for things that ultimately are not worth it. A baby does not have to be told to eat or sleep. That is the main reason our time with the little one was limited. However, we need reminders to seek after knowledge of God and his wisdom (23).
Sometimes we can look at people who do not know God and be jealous of them. Perhaps it is because they do not seem to live by many rules or standards. They can pursue pleasures. Often it seems they do not face consequences, at least not immediately. We ultimately know that we are far better off in this life and the next than those who apart from God. We must fear the Lord as we love sinners, but do not envy them. Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord (17). Fearing the Lord is another one of those oft-repeated commands because to do so is worth it.
Earlier we learned of the dangers of overdoing it trying to be rich. In the news today, I heard that the most common group to engage in dangerous binge drinking are the wealthy. Scripture mentions in several places the dangers of drunkenness. Drinking problems have been impacting many people for thousands of years. It does not seem to matter what one’s age, gender, social status, or location are. Sometimes people say the Bible is not relevant for today. Notice the passage below as you read it carefully. It is the most extensive warning about alcohol found in the Bible. These words were penned long before the higher alcohol content drinks of modern times were developed.
Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining?
Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks.
Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper.
You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things.
You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast.
And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn’t feel it. I didn’t even know it when they beat me up.
When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?” (29-35).
These strong words speak for themselves, so I will just include some bullet points as we consider this warning and wonder if drinking at all is worth it. To be clear, the Bible does not ban alcohol. To me, wisdom says to avoid it altogether is the best course for most people of faith. That drinking can be addictive and a substitute for God is a real concern. What can people who drink too much expect? They may have woe, sorrow, anguish, bruises, strife, complaining. Who wants those kinds of things? Is it worth it? Booze is something people stare at because they may feel like it is their friend and it is good (31). They are looking for something that a bottle or glass will not and cannot provide.
Any commercial for alcohol makes it look very appealing. It appears to be fun, harmless and cool to indulge. I am sure some of it tastes good and even makes one feel well at the moment. But, “in the end” it bites and stings like creatures no one wants approached by (32). Remember it was the serpent who enticed Adam and Eve with good looking fruit. The danger is real and the consequences drastic for so many. It changes one’s judgment and behavior (33). The confusion, dizziness, and sickness that come with excess drinking are like being badly seasick (34). Perhaps the worst part of it is the fact that the drunkard’s lack of sense leads him or her to want to repeat their woe and in most cases, bring strife and sorrow to others along the way. Is it worth it? No way! The warning is clear. If you or someone you know have a drinking problem, be wise and ask God and others for help.
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