Proverbs 20

In Chapter 20 of Proverbs, Solomon writes many nuggets of advice on life and conduct. We would call that the “Christian Walk.” In verse 7, he summarizes this by saying that, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” Later in verse 24, Solomon concludes, “A man’s steps are of the Lord…”

The term “walk” is used extensively in the New Testament, as well. We, as believers, are exhorted to “walk in the light” (I John 1:7); to “walk in love”(Ephesians 5:2); and to “walk circumspectly(carefully)” (Ephesians 5:15). We are reminded many times that the Christian life is a step-by-step walk of faith. King David asks the question and answers that the one who will dwell with God in eternity is: “He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.”(Psalm 15:2)

A wise walk should be the aim and goal of every follower of Jesus Christ. While there are many ‘words for the wise’ in Chapter 20 that we all could apply to our lives and with our families, I would choose one piece of advice to highlight here. Verse 1 strongly states, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”

Friends, our culture is telling us the very opposite message. Let me simply ask this, “Do you desire to walk in a manner which is pleasing to the Savior?” If so, I would suggest that the alcoholic beverages mentioned above (the NIV translates “strong drink” as beer) should not be a part of a believer’s walk. As the writer of Hebrews encourages, “…Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run (or walk) with endurance the race that is set before us.”(Hebrews 12:1)

--Reno Zunz