JUSTICE FOR ALL
Bible Study / Daily Devotional
Daily Devotions
Average reading time is about 8 minutes
AN AMAZING FACT: Americans spend close to $200 million on alcoholic drinks every day.

Wisdom Verses:

“It is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted.” —Proverbs 31:4, 5.

Politicians, as a whole, have a reputation for drinking alcoholic beverages.

Several presidents of the United States have been heavy drinkers. Martin Van Buren was nicknamed “Blue Whiskey Van” because of his ability to drink large amounts of alcohol without showing signs of drunkenness. Andrew Jackson, Franklin Pierce, and James Buchanan were also known to drink heavily. Grover Cleveland suffered stomach problems from an excess of alcohol.

On a more pleasant note, our country has had several presidents who were teetotalers for at least part of their lives. William Harrison, Millard Fillmore, Abraham Lincoln, William H. Taft, and Rutherford B. Hayes reportedly were non-drinkers, as were Calvin Coolidge, Jimmy Carter, and George W. Bush.

As we saw earlier, the Bible clearly prohibits the use of alcoholic drinks, but the Scripture has a special warning for those in leadership positions: “It is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted” (Proverbs 31:4, 5). There is more at stake when there is alcohol use by those in positions of authority—whether you’re a president, a pastor, or the head of a family.

Isaiah also warns against a perversion of justice by rulers who drink. He writes, “Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man!” (Isaiah 5:22, 23).

Paul says, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18 NASB). Even a “social drinker” can cause a perversion of justice. Just consider the fact that one drink can cause a person to become “legally drunk.” If they’re not fit to drive, how can they be fit to make and interpret laws? How can they render justice in a legal setting?

God is concerned for the afflicted. He wants them to get a fair trial; He wants them to receive justice. The best course for people in authority—as well as the rest of us—is to refrain from using alcoholic drinks and serve with a clear mind.

Father, please help those in leadership positions to resist the temptation of alcohol and avoid the perversion that follows it.
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:1-9

EAT FOR STRENGTH (WOLVERINES)
Bible Study / Daily Devotional
Daily Devotions
Average reading time is about 5 and a half minutes
AN AMAZING FACT: Wolverines are found in isolated forests and mountains from Alaska to Siberia. Stocky and muscular with glossy brown hair and dull yellow stripes along its sides, the adult wolverine is about the size of a medium dog and looks like a cross between a small bear and a skunk. It has been known to give off a very strong, unpleasant odor, giving rise to the nicknames “skunk bear” and “nasty cat.” Despite its name, the wolverine is not related to the wolf, but rather the weasel.

The wolverine can run up to 30 mph, climb trees, and swim. The wolverine is also remarkably strong for its modest size and, pound for pound, is considered one of the most ferocious mammals. It has been known to kill prey as large as elk and even moose. In addition, it can keep cougars, grizzlies, and wolves away from its kills. In spite of its ferocity, it is known to be very shy and is rarely seen.

The Latin name for the wolverine is Gulo and means “glutton.” The wolverine lives up to its name. It will eat about anything it can find or kill. In addition to hunting, it will often find carrion left by other predators, and sometimes it even steals the catch of another predator. After gorging on pounds of meat, it will bury its leftovers. Then it further protects its hoard by spraying it with a stinky musk to keep other animals away. In their endless search for food, males may cover more than 240 square miles, traveling 40 miles a day to satisfy their voracious appetites. It would be safe to say the wolverine lives to eat.

There are also many humans who struggle with the same tendency! Some find it surprising that God cares about something as basic as our eating habits, but the Bible has much to say on the topic. Solomon warns that “the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,” while Paul exhorts us to eat and drink “to the glory of God” (Proverbs 23:21; 1 Corinthians 10:31). We would all be much healthier if we followed the wise king’s suggestion to eat for strength and not for gluttony!
KEY BIBLE TEXTS
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Ecclesiastes 10:16Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! Ecclesiastes 10:17