Proverbs 31:1-9 — What's your alchy?

READ THIS: Proverbs 31:1-9

1 The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him. 2 Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! 3 Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. 4 It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, 5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. 6 Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! 7 Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. 8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

When we have authority, it is our duty to take care of those under us, of those who are looking to us for guidance and assistance. Back in the day, they would drink alcohol to help with illnesses and also to drink socially...the second thing we see a lot today. These verses point out that it isn't fitting for someone who is ruling to abuse alcohol. It hurts their memory and it makes them take advantage of people, when in reality, they are supposed to be standing up for people!

For us, we need to make sure that the actions we take are beneficial to those around us. If drinking leads us to drinking too much and negatively affecting our leadership and kindness, then we shouldn't do it. If playing video games for more than an hour makes you grouchy with your family, then we should set a timer. If hanging out with that certain friend leads us to making fun of people, we need to change the way we hang out with that person. When we don't take care of ourselves and intake things that make us better, then that not only hurts us, but it also hurts the people around us. 

And, some of you are reading this and thinking, "eh, I'm not really a king/ruler/authority figure." You are! Just like we learned yesterday with the lion in the wild! There are people younger than you who look at what you're doing and model it. There are people who think you are the coolest person and want to be like you. You may never know it, but there is ALWAYS someone who has their eyes on you, and how you behave affects them and shapes them. 

THINK ABOUT IT:

1.  What is something that makes you less of a good role model when you do it?

2. Why do you do that thing? Is it worth it?

TRY THIS:
 
Whatever you named for question 1, I dare you to not do it for a week and see what happens!


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