Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-03-24

INTRODJCTION-The sacred writ
ings surpass even Shakespeare in their
ability to describe the experiences and
conduct of men, and their representations
are universally recognized as correct
Solomon, who wrote most of the Prov
CRIBS, fiolrished three thousand years ago.
His observations were limited to people
whose customs, manners, speech and re-
ligion were wholly unlike any now pre-
yailing In our country. And yet he gives
maxims that are perfectly sdapted to
everyday life, with which we are ia
mlliar much so as IL they were COM
posed but yesterday. The evils OF strong
drink are here portrayed with a faithful
ness that viii astonish us. showing how
this vice has perpetuated itself through
the centuries.
QUESTIONS-(verse 29) In con-
else abrupt and energetic manner the
lesson opens with a series of five ques-
TONS one of them repeated for the sake
OF emphasis. These questions call atten-
ton to the deplorable conditions whlch
must have been common. The first per-
talns to a disordered inward state that
produces misery; the second, to disturbed
social relations resulting in conflict; the
third to irregular incoherent speech.
when the tongue is not governed by the
judgment; the fourth, to physical injuries
inflicted by others in unnecessary strife.
OF caused by acc1Oent, H. ~
of the organs of sight Where are all
these ills-some inward. some outward,
some spiritual, some physical, some per-
sonal some social? The question is de-
signed to startle the reader and awaken
reflection
ANSWER-The inspired writer HIM
self replies to the questions atiirmfng
that they suffer thus who are addicted to
the excessive use of wine. The original
word here used is yayin, the generic he
brew term, that includes all llasses OF
wine, fermented and unfermented, and is
employed more than one hundred and
forty times In Scripture, more than all
other special terms together. This WORD
is found in the earliest history (Gen.
tx 21; Neh. xfii:15) and 1t appears in the
laws the preceptS and the prophetic writ
ings covering the three ages Of Hebrew
literature. But If this verse does not dis
tinguish the kind of drink, 1t does lay
stress on the quantity. BY long tarrylhg
and over-indulgence the evil habit is
formed and by mixing drinks intoxica-
ton is produced. Here is a description of
those licentious persons who go about our
cities, from saloon to saloon with 1oVlal
friends and drink repeatedly until over
come.
ADVICE@verse 80 In the last verse
the wise man exposed the folly or the
drinking habit, showing what comes OF ex-
cess. Had he said no more some might De
encouraged to the moderate use of strong
drink which is the fruitful source or IN
temperance. But in this verse he condemns
ii
(yayin) Is red the color being observed as
it is poured into the cup, fermentation has
begun, which will be evidenced by the rise
and escape of bubbles, movement In the
LIQUID by which the elements are converted
into new compounds. One OF these Is al
cohol which is never found in nature. The
chemical process was not understood when
the text was written, but the description Is
very accurate When all this has taken
place a poison has come into the drink, and
it is to be absolutely discarded No one
should even look upon 1t at such time.
This advice enjoins total abstinence from
EFFDCT-verse 32) Why reject fer
mented wine altogether? Why may not its
moderate use be allowed? Why not pause
with condemnation of excess? Does not
temperance mean moderation? These are
old questions heard on every hand. Let
Solomon answer In four distinct statements.
First because alcoholic beverages bring
pain and discomfort to the body. That does
not come at once. For time there is
pleasurable sensation, an exhilaration or
spirit. and one fancies himself stronger, 50
that he seeks further draughts. But lat
last" when he has come under the do
minion of liquor, it bites and stings. The
stomach and other vital organs, the brain
and the whole nervous system, indeed, the
entire man. is affected as If a venomous
serpent had thrust its fangs into him. 1t
was this influence that gave the name alco-
hol for the Arabian chemist who discov-
cred it observed that when applied TO the
skin it excoriates and deadens.
RESULT-(Verse 33) To secure bodily
health and comfort one must reject alco-
hole beverages. This teaching of the wise
man is approved by science and experience.
But the physical and spiritual nature or
man are so intimately related that any in
Jury to the former soon involves the latter.
The disordered brain produces a deranged
heart whose affections go out after unholy
things Here is noted what has been one
of the saddest results of intemDerance
life of RIGHTEOUSNESS. Thine eyes shall
behold strange women" This explains the
conduct of Lots daughter. Gen. xix:3l-35),