Overindulgence

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 23

Gold Nugget

Verse 20: “Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;”

Commentary

There are many character traits that we as Christians are careful not to allow ourselves to associate with. The New Testament warns us of many. As Paul warned the church at Corinth, "But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person." (1 Corinthians 5:11). There is a common trait between the two types of people identified in today's "gold nugget", “Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;” Both of these examples are people that cannot or will not exercise self-control. They both do things in excess. Although neither act is sinful in itself, they both are dangerous when over consumed. They say that too much of anything is a bad thing. The scriptures support this. Even concerning something as harmless as honey, the scriptures say, "It is not good to eat much honey;" (Proverbs 25:27a) In America, we super-size everything, and I'm not just talking about the food we eat. We have, like another proverb mentions, "15 The leech has two daughters, Give and Give! There are three things that are never satisfied, four never say, Enough!" Proverbs (30:15-16) We can’t get enough of many of our little earthly pleasures.

Whether it’s too much food, TV, alcohol, work, money, material things or anything else we overindulge in, they are dangerous. Dangerous, not only for us to be involved with directly, but even being too involved with those that do. Only the fool actually believes that they cannot be affected by things other people do. Despite all of our self-confidence and independence that makes us believe that we cannot be influenced by others, we are not immune to the contamination that we receive from too much contact with those that practice wickedness. This works both good and bad. “Much contact” with healthy people both spiritually and otherwise, can influence us positively. If you don’t believe this proverb applies to you, remember what else Paul wrote to the church at Corinth. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Prayer

Lord, although I have been serving you for many years now, I know that I still can be affected negatively or positively. I have seen myself get too involved with others that do not honor your precepts and compromise what you have taught me. Help me to be very particular about who I spend time with and how much time I spend with them.” Amen

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