Proverbs 20

Two common mistakes are made when we read proverbs: (1) We read the proverbs as God's laws that are always true. (2) Or we confuse them as God’s promises that are reliable guarantees. Solomon's collections are neither inflexible laws nor reliable promises. They are “guidelines” that lead toward wise living on the road of life.

Wise living is like driving on a freeway with multiple exits. To keep us on the Highway of Wisdom, Solomon shares three “dangerous” exits in verses 1-4. Each one has the capacity to get us off at the wrong place.  

#1 - The Danger of ALCOHOL ABUSE: “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” (v. 1).  Don’t drink and drive on the road of life. Alcohol abuse kills 75,000 Americans annually. Excessive alcohol is the third leading cause of death. Ephesians 5:18 also warns, “And do not get drunk with wine…but be filled with the Spirit.”  Don’t let alcohol control you. Instead, let the Holy Spirit control every minute, every hour of every day. Seek help from your spouse, a counselor or a close friend about how much you are drinking.

#2 - The Danger of CARELESS ANGER: “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” (v. 3).  Verse 2 equates a king’s anger to the danger of an angry lion. There are two issues with anger: One is seeking to control you own hot-headedness. The second is not provoking it in others. Be a defensive driver. Look out for those whose anger is often out of control. Avoid quarrelsome arguments. They often jeopardize relationships and escalate into hurt feelings. 

#3 – The Danger of POSTPONEMENT: “Sluggards do not plow in season; so at harvest time, they look but find nothing” (v. 4).  You have to harvest the crop when it is ready, not when you feel like working.  Whenever possible, do what you dislike first. Handle the most difficult assignment early. Ecclesiastes 11:4 says, “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” Procrastination will create anxiety and stress. It almost always keeps us from accomplishing the things we want most completed.

Which of these three “exits” gives you the most trouble? How can surrendering to Jesus keep you on the Highway of Wisdom? Don’t let alcohol abuse, excessive anger or postponing things get you off track. How many other “dangerous” exits can you find in Proverbs 20?