Solomon’s Proverbs: Food & Drink
Do food and drink matter? How much you consume? What? When? Where? With whom? Yes! God inspired Solomon to write some rules for food and drink that are part of wisdom. If you learn the rules and put them into practice, it will bring blessings far greater than mere physical health. Appreciate God’s word and Proverbs for their great practicality.
Food & Drink Proverbs of Solomon: Audio Commentaries
Proverbs 23:30
“They that tarry long at the wine;
they that go to seek mixed wine.”
Does wine cause drunkenness? Never! Are you wise enough to understand and agree with this unusual statement? The result and symptoms of drunkenness are not the fault of wine, but rather the fool that drank too much of the wine.
Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging:
and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
Wine can make a fool out of you, and strong drink can make a raging fool out of you. Do God and Solomon condemn drinking any wine or strong drink? Not a chance! But they do have rules for how much you drink of either.
Proverbs 23:2
“And put a knife to thy throat,
if thou be a man given to appetite.”
When should you put a knife to your throat? If severely depressed? No, no, no! But there is a situation where the metaphor should be remembered, and it will be a time that you are feeling very comfortable and honored. Beware!
Proverbs 31:14
“She is like the merchants’ ships;
she bringeth her food from afar.”
Convenience food has its place, but not a big place! A virtuous woman does not settle for convenience; she knows a little extra effort can taste better, warm hearts, and nourish bodies better than any fast food or prepared meals.
Proverbs 9:2
“She hath killed her beasts;
she hath mingled her wine;
she hath also furnished her table.”
Fresh meat prepared right with a blend of good wine is a great meal. Ambiance is created by a decorated table and room with an affectionate and cheerful host. God by Solomon invited you to just such a dinner? Do you understand?
Proverbs 31:6
“Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish,
and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.”
What are wine and strong drink for? Do you know? How does God and Solomon commend their use in this book of proverbs? God gave both their properties and the effect on a human body. Use them at the right time and benefit.
Proverbs 23:20
“Be not among winebibbers;
among riotous eaters of flesh:”
How do you pick your friends, especially if you are in your youthful years? There is an inspired rule of wisdom that measures others by their use of food and drink, and you are to avoid those fools that break this simple rule.
Proverbs 17:1
“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith,
than an house full of sacrifices with strife.”
What makes a saltine taste better than a dinner of the best steak and lamb? One aspect of wisdom is to learn life’s priorities, and there is an ingredient more important for a great meal than quality, quantity, or variety of the menu!
Proverbs 22:9
“He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed;
for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”
What is one of the easiest and nicest things you can do for the poor? Provide a nice meal for them with care to entertain them kindly and warmly. They will be blessed by your favor, but you will be blessed by God’s favor!
Proverbs 25:16
“Hast thou found honey?
eat so much as is sufficient for thee,
lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.”
The sweetest food, a delicacy in all nations, will make you sick, if you eat too much of it. A rule of wisdom is moderation or temperance, a disciplined approach to the use of anything, and it especially applies to food and drink.