EGW WritingsProverbs 20

Conflict and Courage

Too Drunk to Care, April 5

CC 101.1

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs 20:1.

From Heaven With Love

Mary’s Faith Is Rewarded

HLv 93.2

Christ in the Old Testament gave the warning, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1. He Himself provided no such beverage. Satan tempts men to indulgence that will becloud reason and benumb the spiritual perceptions, but Christ teaches us to bring the lower nature into subjection. It was Christ who directed that John the Baptist should drink neither wine nor strong drink. He enjoined similar abstinence on the wife of Manoah. And He pronounced a curse on the man who should put the bottle to his neighbor’s lips. See Habakkuk 2:15. Christ did not contradict His own teaching. The unfermented wine which He provided for the wedding guests was a wholesome and refreshing drink.

Homeward Bound

The Highway to Drunkenness, July 27

HB 232.5

It was Christ who, in the Old Testament, gave the warning to Israel, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1.) He Himself provided no such beverage. Satan tempts us to indulgence that will becloud reason and benumb the spiritual perceptions, but Christ teaches us to bring the lower nature into subjection. He never places before us that which would be a temptation. His whole life was an example of self-denial. It was to break the power of appetite that in the forty days’ fast in the wilderness He suffered in our behalf the severest test that humanity could endure. It was Christ who directed that John the Baptist should drink neither wine nor strong drink. It was He who enjoined similar abstinence upon the wife of Manoah. Christ did not contradict His own teaching. The unfermented wine that He provided for the wedding guests was a wholesome and refreshing drink. This is the wine that was used by our Saviour and His disciples in the first Communion.—The Ministry of Healing, 332, 333.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 21a, 1871

2LtMs, Lt 21a, 1871, par. 4

Is not this worldly-loving spirit at such a sacrifice a greater exhibition of insanity than even that shown by the drunkard? God had warned the lover of strong drink. He has told him the influence and result of gratifying the appetite. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1. “Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.” Proverbs 23:29-35.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 106, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 106, 1903, par. 11

It was Christ who in the Old Testament gave the warning to Israel, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” [Proverbs 20:1.] And He Himself provided no such beverage. Satan tempts men to indulgence that will becloud reason and benumb the spiritual perceptions, but Christ teaches us to bring the lower nature into subjection. His whole life was an example of self-denial. In order to break the power of appetite, He suffered in our behalf the severest test that humanity could endure.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Deliverer for His People, September 21

JNN 279.3

It was Christ who in the Old Testament gave the warning to Israel, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Proverbs 20:1). And He Himself provided no such beverage. Satan tempts human beings to indulgence that will becloud reason and benumb the spiritual perceptions, but Christ teaches us to bring the lower nature into subjection. His whole life was an example of self-denial. In order to break the power of appetite, He suffered in our behalf the severest test that humanity could endure. It was Christ who directed that John the Baptist should drink neither wine nor strong drink. It was He who enjoined similar abstinence upon the wife of Manoah. And He pronounced a curse upon the person who should put the bottle to his neighbor’s lips. Christ did not contradict His own teaching. The unfermented wine which He provided for the wedding guests was a wholesome and refreshing drink. Its effect was to bring the taste into harmony with a healthful appetite.

Counsels for the Church

Intoxicating Wine

CCh 102.4

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging:
And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions?
who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause?
Who hath redness of eyes?
They that tarry long at the wine;
They that go to seek mixed wine.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red,
When it giveth his color in the cup,
When it moveth itself aright.
At the last it biteth like a serpent,
And stingeth like an adder.” —Proverbs 20:1; Proverbs 23:29-32.

Temperance

Chapter 4—Wine in the Bible

Te 97.2

It was Christ who, in the Old Testament, gave the warning to Israel, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1. He Himself provided no such beverage. Satan tempts men to indulgence that will becloud reason and benumb the spiritual perceptions, but Christ teaches us to bring the lower nature into subjection. He never places before men that which would be a temptation. His whole life was an example of self-denial. It was to break the power of appetite that in the forty days’ fast in the wilderness He suffered in our behalf the severest test that humanity could endure. It was Christ who directed that John the Baptist should drink neither wine nor strong drink. It was He who enjoined similar abstinence upon the wife of Manoah. Christ did not contradict His own teaching. The unfermented wine that He provided for the wedding guests was a wholesome and refreshing drink. This is the wine that was used by our Saviour and His disciples in the first Communion. It is the wine that should always be used on the Communion table as a symbol of the Saviour’s blood. The sacramental service is designed to be soul-refreshing and life-giving. There is to be connected with it nothing that could minister to evil.—The Ministry of Healing, 333, 334.

That I May Know Him

The Battle Against Intemperance, November 4

TMK 314.1

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Proverbs 20:1.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 15—At the Marriage Feast

DA 149.4

It was Christ who in the Old Testament gave the warning to Israel, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1. And He Himself provided no such beverage. Satan tempts men to indulgence that will becloud reason and benumb the spiritual perceptions, but Christ teaches us to bring the lower nature into subjection. His whole life was an example of self-denial. In order to break the power of appetite, He suffered in our behalf the severest test that humanity could endure. It was Christ who directed that John the Baptist should drink neither wine nor strong drink. It was He who enjoined similar abstinence upon the wife of Manoah. And He pronounced a curse upon the man who should put the bottle to his neighbor’s lips. Christ did not contradict His own teaching. The unfermented wine which He provided for the wedding guests was a wholesome and refreshing drink. Its effect was to bring the taste into harmony with a healthful appetite.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 22—Imprisonment and Death of John

DA 222.2

Oh, how often has the life of the innocent been sacrificed through the intemperance of those who should have been guardians of justice! He who puts the intoxicating cup to his lips makes himself responsible for all the injustice he may commit under its besotting power. By benumbing his senses he makes it impossible for him to judge calmly or to have a clear perception of right and wrong. He opens the way for Satan to work through him in oppressing and destroying the innocent. “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1. Thus it is that “judgment is turned away backward, ... and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” Isaiah 59:14, 15. Those who have jurisdiction over the lives of their fellow men should be held guilty of a crime when they yield to intemperance. All who execute the laws should be lawkeepers. They should be men of self-control. They need to have full command of their physical, mental, and moral powers, that they may possess vigor of intellect, and a high sense of justice.

The Ministry of Healing

Intoxicating Drinks

MH 330.2

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging:
And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”
“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions?
who hath babbling? who hath wounds
without cause?
Who hath redness of eyes?
They that tarry long at the wine;
They that go to seek mixed wine.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red,
When it giveth his color in the cup,
When it moveth itself aright.
At the last it biteth like a serpent,
And stingeth like an adder.” Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-32.

The Ministry of Healing

The Milder Intoxicants

MH 333.2

It was Christ who, in the Old Testament, gave the warning to Israel, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1. He Himself provided no such beverage. Satan tempts men to indulgence that will becloud reason and benumb the spiritual perceptions, but Christ teaches us to bring the lower nature into subjection. He never places before men that which would be a temptation. His whole life was an example of self-denial. It was to break the power of appetite that in the forty days’ fast in the wilderness He suffered in our behalf the severest test that humanity could endure. It was Christ who directed that John the Baptist should drink neither wine nor strong drink. It was He who enjoined similar abstinence upon the wife of Manoah. Christ did not contradict His own teaching. The unfermented wine that He provided for the wedding guests was a wholesome and refreshing drink. This is the wine that was used by our Saviour and His disciples in the first Communion. It is the wine that should always be used on the Communion table as a symbol of the Saviour’s blood. The sacramental service is designed to be soul-refreshing and life-giving. There is to be connected with it nothing that could minister to evil.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 9—Early Ministry

SJ 53.3

The wine which Jesus made was not fermented liquor. Such wine is a cause of drunkenness and many great evils, and God had forbidden its use. He says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” “It biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.” Proverbs 20:1; 23:32.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 21, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 21, 1894, par. 9

O, how can God bear with the misdeeds of those who have had great light and advantages, and yet follow the course of their own choosing, to their eternal harm? Solomon, who had solemnly charged the people at the dedication of the temple, “Let your heart be perfect with the Lord your God” [1 Kings 8:61], chose his own way, and in his own heart separated from God. The mind that was once given to God and inspired of God to write the most precious words of wisdom (the book of Proverbs)—truths which are immortalized—that noble mind, through evil associations and yielding to temptations, became inefficient, weak in moral power, and Solomon dishonored himself, dishonored Israel, and dishonored his God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 40, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 40, 1898, par. 15

Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs, but after a time his wisdom became mingled with chaff. When came the chaff? After a manhood of such glorious promise, a change came in Solomon’s history. He did not continue true to his purity and allegiance to God. He broke through the barriers which God had erected to preserve His people from idolatry. The Lord had singled out Israel as a nation, making them the depositaries of sacred truth, to be given to the world. But Solomon cherished pride of political powers. He encouraged alliances with pagan kingdoms. He procured the silver of Tarshish and the gold of Ophir, but it was at the expense of destroying sacred trusts. Evil communications corrupted good manners. One false movement led to an acquaintance with idolaters. He formed marriage alliances with the daughters of pagan worshipers, and his wives led him away from God. His separation from God through communication with idolaters ruined him.

Education

Chapter 15—Business Principles and Methods

Ed 135.5

“A talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.” Proverbs 20:19.

Ed 135.6

“He that hath knowledge spareth his words;” but “every fool will be meddling.” Proverbs 17:27; 20:3.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 12, 1864

1LtMs, Lt 12, 1864, par. 8

Please read (Proverbs 20, verse 6) and onward. Read Revelation chapter 7.

Lift Him Up

Salvation of Children, September 12

LHU 269.1

Even a child makes himself known by his acts, whether what he does is pure and right. Proverbs 20:11, RSV.

That I May Know Him

Armies of Missionary Children, February 5

TMK 42.1

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Proverbs 20:11.

The Faith I Live By

The Royal Robe of Heaven, September 26

FLB 275.1

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Proverbs 20:11.

This Day With God

Even a Child Is Known, February 20

TDG 59.1

Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right. Proverbs 20:11.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 68, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 68, 1897, par. 8

The Lord does not condemn those who have made mistakes. They have tried to economize: they have tried to save money by purchasing certain things, supposing they would be a success. But they should have invested double the amount that they did, in order to bring the very best article [into] their possession. Those who, like Brethren Shannon and Lawrence, have not lifted and ounce of the burden, have stood as critics, mingling their sentiments together, and working them up to a perfection in their own estimation. But God says of their plans and devising, “It is naught: it is naught.” [See Proverbs 20:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 43, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 43, 1899, par. 27

I wish to say to authors that I cannot see that they have any liberty to either give away or sell their right to the books they have written. When you do this, a door of temptation is opened before the publishers to repeat the history of the past. They will obtain for a small sum books that are not of vital importance. They will be tempted to say to the authors, “It is naught, it is naught.” [Proverbs 20:14.] They will make some little changes, and then exalt these books to the highest. They will deceive the people, and while doing this will treat valuable books indifferently, as they have done [with] Brother Smith’s work.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 26, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 26, 1899, par. 13

And what about the publishers? Did they maintain the principles of justice? There was scheming and planning and devising to turn their brethren from their rights. They bought men and the productions of their brains, saying, “It is naught, it is naught.” [Proverbs 20:14.] And when the matter was in their possession, they eagerly gathered in the revenue.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 63, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 63, 1901, par. 21

After going from home to home, and seeing the many photographs, I was given the instruction I have given here. Christ looks upon the busy world, filled with the din of merchandise and trade, with the dishonesty and scheming of buyers and sellers. “It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasteth.” [Proverbs 20:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 44, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 44, 1904, par. 6

Read the whole of this chapter—the forty-eighth of Isaiah. It has been pointed out to me as a representation of the true condition of those who, though they have had the truth line upon line, precept upon precept, have refused to hear and receive the testimonies of warning that God has given. They have hindered the work and cause of God with representation, falsehood, and heresy, and when the Spirit of God has spoken, they have said, “It is naught, it is naught.” [Proverbs 20:14.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 128, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 128, 1901, par. 54

“Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” [Exodus 20:12.] Christ said, “For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.” [Matthew 15:4.] He repeated the injunction that is thus given in the Old Testament Scriptures: “And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.” [Exodus 21:17.] Solomon said, “Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.” [Proverbs 20:20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 4, 1864

1LtMs, Lt 4, 1864, par. 11

Brethren had better be contended with a small income and handle that little prudently rather than run risks to better their condition and suffer continual losses thereby. I was referred to (Proverbs 28:19, 20): “He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough. A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” (Verse 22): “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.” (Proverbs 20:21): “An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.”

Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing

“Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”—Matthew 5:39, R. V.

MB 70.2

These words were but a reiteration of the teaching of the Old Testament. It is true that the rule, “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (Leviticus 24:20), was a provision in the laws given through Moses; but it was a civil statute. None were justified in avenging themselves, for they had the words of the Lord: “Say not thou, I will recompense evil.” “Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me.” “Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth.” “If he that hateth thee be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink.” Proverbs 20:22; 24:29, 17; Proverbs 25:21, 22 , R.V., margin.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1036—Faithful Stewardship; Counsel Against Financial Speculation

13MR 234.2

Let us remember what the Lord says about honesty: “Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord” [Proverbs 20:23].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 41, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 41, 1888, par. 8

Let us remember what the Lord says about honesty: “Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord.” Proverbs 20:23.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 41a, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 41a, 1888, par. 8

Let us remember what the Lord says about honesty: “Divers weights are an abomination unto the Lord.” Proverbs 20:23.

Counsels on Stewardship

Chapter 61—A Contract With God

CS 316.4

It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.” Proverbs 20:25. “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God. thou shalt not slack to pay it; for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.” Deuteronomy 23:21-23.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4

Chapter 41—Sacredness of Vows

4T 471.1

“And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded. If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” Numbers 30:1, 2. “Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?” Ecclesiastes 5:6. “I will go into Thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay Thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.” Psalm 66:13, 14. “It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.” Proverbs 20:25. “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.” Deuteronomy 23:21-23.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 1

Sacredness of Pledges

1TT 550.2

“And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded. If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” Numbers 30:1, 2. “Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?” Ecclesiastes 5:6. “I will go into Thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay Thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.” Psalm 66:13, 14. “It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.” Proverbs 20:25. “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.” Deuteronomy 23:21-23.

Testimony for the Church — No. 29

Sacredness of Vows.

T29 121.1

“Then Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded. If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” Numbers 30:1, 2. “Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error; wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thy hands?” Ecclesiastes 5:6. “I will go into thy house with burnt-offerings; I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.” Psalm 66:13, 14. “It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.” Proverbs 20:25. “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it; for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a free-will offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.” Deuteronomy 23:21-23.

Education

Chapter 19—History and Prophecy

Ed 175.1

To understand these things,—to understand that “righteousness exalteth a nation;” that “the throne is established by righteousness” and “upholden by mercy” (Proverbs 14:34; 16:12; Proverbs 20:28); to recognize the outworking of these principles in the manifestation of His power who “removeth kings, and setteth up kings” (Daniel 2:21),—this is to understand the philosophy of history.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 40—Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream

PK 502.2

To understand these things,—to understand that “righteousness exalteth a nation;” that “the throne is established by righteousness,” and “upholden by mercy;” to recognize the outworking of these principles in the manifestation of His power who “removeth kings, and setteth up kings,”—this is to understand the philosophy of history. Proverbs 14:34; 16:12; 20:28; Daniel 2:21.

My Life Today

Exercise, May 6

ML 130.1

The glory of young men is their strength. Proverbs 20:29.

Reflecting Christ

Exercise Is Indispensable to Health, May 13

RC 147.1

The glory of young men is their strength. Proverbs 20:29.

The Retirement Years

Helpful Bible Texts for Seniors

RY 186.11

The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head.—Proverbs 20:29.