Vanity of Pleasure (2) Ecclesiastes 2:1-3

The Vanity of Wine Ecclesiastes 2:3

Our Context We are still examining Solomon’s pursuit of mirth (that which gives sensual pleasure and happiness) (1-3) He explored in his heart (mind) – research and experimentation – searching for deeper, internal reason

Our Context With wine (3) Hebrew word (yayin) – a word that most often has reference to fermented wine (juice of grapes) To gratify my flesh (to stimulate my body – NASB, to give myself unto – KJV) – he was seeking gratification (as if it could give him real meaning)

Our Context With wine (3) While guiding my heart with wisdom – nothing indicates Solomon sought drunkenness. He partook in “moderation” and keeping his wits How to lay hold of folly – ultimately, he describes this pursuit as foolishness

Our Context Till I might see what was for the sons of men to do under heaven all the says of their lives (3) Again, this was seeking something that provides TRUE and lasting satisfaction IS Solomon in this text advocating “social drinking”? If anything, he is showing the emptiness of such

The Bible and Wine Alcohol and drugs (including legalized marijuana) do NOT produce true happiness To reason that such substances (or any substance – legal/ addictive or not) give your life meaning is to lie to yourself YET is this not the tactic of advertisers of these products?

The Bible and Wine Proverbs 31:6-7, give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Is this text justification for recreational drinking? Or is it more closely related to prescribed medication for pain and depression? See vs. 4-5 – sobriety 1 Timothy 5:23 The WORST thing one can do when depressed or in pain is drink recreationally!

The Bible and Wine Proverbs 20:1, Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Recreational drinking often makes one a fool. It can loosen inhibitions and lead to foolish decisions and behaviors

The Bible and Wine Proverbs 23:20-21, Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. Winebibber (heavy drinker – NASB) – one who sits long at wine

The Bible and Wine Proverbs 23:20-21 What does this say about drinking at the local tavern or to socialize? Influence – 1 Corinthians 15:33, Mark 9:42 1 Corinthians 10:27-28 –our influence in the midst of unbelievers (meats offered to idols)

The Bible and Wine Proverbs 23:29-35, “Who has woe?... Again, context is dealing with one who lingers long at wine It is not viewed as a commendable activity. But we see where it leads I think of where “that one drink” often leads

Center for Disease Control, 2010 In 2010, the CDC released the results of a study on the cost of excessive drinking $249 BILLION in costs (72% job productivity; 11% healthcare; 10% criminal justice; 5% automobile crashes) 40% of this cost was incurred by government (e.g. our taxes) California was #1 with $35 BILLION, with a tax cost of $376 per resident https://www.cdc.gov/features/costsofdrinking/index.html

The Bible and Wine 1 Peter 4:3, drinking parties This would include social drinking (occasions where liquor flows freely and can lead to drunkenness) We’ve spent enough time there!

The Bible and Wine Be sober! 1 Thessalonians 5:5-7, 1 Peter 5:8 watch and be sober Does drinking at ANY level contribute to our level of soberness? Is there such a thing as “a little drunk” or “a little sober”?

The Bible and Wine Is there doubt? One might say, the only thing the Bible condemns is drunkenness OR It doesn’t condemn the occasional drink TRUE, if you are looking for a specific statement! Romans 14:22-23, is recreational drinking questionable? Any doubt?

The Bible and Wine Is it necessary today? (Is there any benefit alcohol might provide that cannot be achieved without it?) Is recreational drinking today the same as drinking wine in Bible times? NO! Are you willing to risk your eternity AND THAT OF OTHERS on it?

Where are you seeking to find meaning in your life Where are you seeking to find meaning in your life? Ecclesiastes 12:13-14