"It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted" (Proverbs 31:4-5).
I'm not one to say that because we are a "holy priesthood" today (1 Peter 2:5), we must subject ourselves in some way, shape or form to all the rules governing the priesthood of the Old Testament. Neither will I say that because we are "kings and priests" today (Rev. 1:6), we must subject ourselves to all the rules governing the kings of the Old Testament.
But...
I can't help but apply this passage in Proverbs 31 to Christians today.
The application is so clear and undeniable in my mind, not so much because we're royalty today (1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6), but because we have an obligation to remember and represent God's spiritual law.
We're told that everything we do, in word or deed, must be in the name of Jesus Christ (Colossians 3:17). We're told to always be ready to give an answer for our faith (1 Peter 3:15). We're told that our speech must always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that we might know how to answer each one (Colossians 4:6). Our entire lives must be a sacrifice unto Christ (Rom. 12:1-2; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 1:21). And Peter says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
Alcohol removes our inhibitions. As God's royal children, knowing that we have an obligation to diligently follow His law and share His law with the world, why would we EVER choose to drink alcohol (for social or recreational purposes) knowing that it might hinder us in our duties as His chosen people?!?!
Lemuel's mother told him, "It's not for kings to drink wine...[or] intoxicating drink."
It's not for us either!
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