The Polite Face of Drunkenness

We all recognize drunkenness bloodshot eyes, slurred words, stumbling steps. It’s a sin that broadcasts itself. But what about its quieter cousins overindulgence that wears a respectable disguise?

Proverbs 23:29–35 warns of five consequences of drunkenness:

1. Confusion–“Your eyes will see strange things.” Excess blurs reality.

2. Perversion–“Your heart utters perverse things.” Temptation becomes more appealing.

3. Instability–“Like one lying on the sea.” You become unreliable.

4. Numbness–“They struck me… but I did not feel it.” Sin dulls your senses.

5. Futility–“I must have another drink.” It never satisfies.

Now ask: do subtle indulgences social media, bingeing, overeating, laziness bring the same symptoms?

Five Questions to Expose Hidden Excess

• Do your habits blur spiritual clarity?

• Do they weaken your resolve against temptation?

• Are you increasingly unavailable for what matters?

• Do you feel numb to spiritual realities prayer, Scripture, worship?

• Are you chasing fulfillment that never arrives?

These habits may seem harmless, even healthy, in small measure. But when they dominate, they replicate the dangers of overt sin.

Redirect Toward True Life

Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 6:12 is still relevant today: “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. … I will not be enslaved by anything.” And in contrast to drunkenness, he urges believers in Ephesians 5:18:

“Do not get drunk with wine, but be filled with the Spirit.”

What would it look like if our joy came from the Spirit rather than distraction?

Cultivating Spiritual Clarity

Consider embracing spiritual "habits that renew," such as:

• Regular immersion in God’s Word

• Honest prayer that tunes your heart

• Faith-filled fellowship with other believers

These practices illuminate your soul and satisfy true longings.

A Life That Reflects the Spirit

The goal is for a life visibly shaped by Christ:

“He’s been captured by someone. He’s not his own anymore.”

Audit your life regularly:

• What dulls your awareness?

• What restores your clarity?

Pursue Christ with abandon. Run toward worship, beauty, service, conversation not away from God with a quieter form of drunkenness.

As Solomon advised, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Resist anything that dulls you. And embrace everything that fills you with the Spirit.

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