Wine (an element of the Lord’s Supper) and strong drink (Deuteronomy 14:26) are not evil or harmful in themselves, but the love of them, which leads to drunkenness, is. The wise person learns how to rightly control strong elements, rather than to be controlled by them. Many people are tempted to lose themselves to the power of drink, seeking strength or an escape from misery. Yet they only find themselves mocked by false promises, while their lives, families, friends, and circumstances all suffer injury. An overarching love of wine, or money, or any other created thing will always cause harm, but one who has a supreme love for the Lord will be edified and blessed, and others will share in these blessings (Ephesians 5:18).
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.