Reading:
Proverbs 31:1-9

I don’t drink so-called adult beverages.

But I do drink too freely of other “substances” that alter my state of my mind, slow my spiritual reflexes, and affect my perception of reality.

When that happens, how can I possibly judge righteously?

“Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted” (5).

I can say it’s not for me because I don’t drink beer or wine or any such thing.

However, I do drink such things as suspicion, bitterness, anger, contempt, and pride.

And they cause me to forget God’s laws.

And to pervert judgment.

(It is not my intent to spiritualize this verse. I’m just telling you a little of what came to mind after reading it a bit ago.)

[Judge righteously (Proverbs 31:9)]
from Proverbs 31:9

Reading:
Proverbs 30:24-33

“If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth” (32).

I have done both. (At least one of them as recently as yesterday.)

And I continue to harvest the bitter fruit. (As do my wife and children.)

But what’s with the closing part of the verse?

Maybe it means that, when I realize my thinking is messed up, I should at least restrain my speech so I don’t audibly broadcast what’s going on in my heart.

Maybe my Spanish Bible has an ending different enough to clarify the meaning….

Nope.

[Turneth not away for any (Proverbs 30:30)]
from Proverbs 30:30