January 21 - Deception.

Proverbs 20:1
“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
 
Many focus on the first part of the verse, dwelling on the Truth of it, while neglecting the Truth of the latter part. This verse teaches us that wine and strong drink are a product of deception.
 
Proverbs 23:31-32
“Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.”
 
Satan, the father of lies, seeks to deceive and devour at every chance he gets. In order to consume of wine or strong drink, he must deceive you.
 
Galatians 6:7
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
 
A person who is deceived in partaking of wine or strong drink may have their reasons why they justify their actions; however, the Bible tells us that they are not wise.
 
Galatians 5:21
“Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
 
Rather than just tell us the pitfalls, God gives us an alternative. Whether our struggle is, we can choose to be filled with selfishness or filled with Him.
 
Ephesians 5:17-18
“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;”
 
He wants to fill us with Himself; He only requires that we empty ourselves of sin. Choose Wisdom today while resisting deception.
 
 
Bible Reading:
Genesis 41-42  |  John 21  |  Proverbs 21