Advice for a King

Scripture:
Proverbs 31:3-4
Do not give your strength to women,
Or your ways to that which destroys kings.
 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Or for rulers to desire strong drink,

Listen: http://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mcconachie/nasb/Prov.31.3-Prov.31.4

Observation: The following is from the ESV Study Bible - "The purpose of vv. 2-9 is to instruct in what the ideal human king ought to look like: he is judicious personally (vv. 3-6). That this proverb refers to mistresses (or a harem) rather than to monogamous marriage is obvious from the plural women rather than “a woman.” Having mistresses is a waste of a man’s strength (perhaps meaning his wealth, but, in the present context of a king, more likely his energy and vigor for ruling well). The calling of kings is to serve the well-being of their subjects....They must never allow their judgment to be clouded by wine or strong drink."

Application: We should not give ourselves to what would tear us away from God and his precepts. If we are in positions of leadership our judgement should not be clouded by other people or substances such as alcohol.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to make wise judgements. Do not let my mind be clouded by anything that would distract me from your precepts and commands. I want to follow you wholeheartedly and be an example for others. In Jesus name, amen.

As a side note, we need to have a balanced approach in regards to alcohol use. Below is a video of John Piper on the topic of alcohol use.