Bill and Rich continue their discussion on appetites by focusing on the abuse of substances—alcohol, food, and drugs—framed in Proverbs as gluttony and drunkenness. They explain Proverbs 20:1 (“wine is a mocker”) as a warning that alcohol and other mind-altering substances can master a man, impair judgment, lower inhibitions, and lead to sin, irresponsibility, and loss of trust. They emphasize personal responsibility, masculine self-control, and stewardship of the body, arguing that using substances to escape problems is effeminate and destructive. They contrast lawful enjoyment of God’s gifts (wine) with sinful misuse, warn that appetites can be exploited through “deceptive food” and “wine and dine” manipulation, connect addiction to sloth and poverty, critique cannabis as inherently impairing, and describe drug abuse as opening people to demonic influence.

Books mentioned in this episode: