The Ministry of Health and Healing

Intoxicating Drinks

“Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink arouses brawling,
And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”
“Who has woe?
Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions?
Who has complaints?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
Those who linger long at the wine,
Those who go in search of mixed wine.
Do not look on the wine when it is red,
When it sparkles in the cup,
When it swirls around smoothly;
At the last it bites like a serpent,
And stings like a viper.”
Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-32. MHH 184.7

Never was traced by human hand a more vivid picture of the debasement and slavery of victims of intoxicating drink. Enthralled, degraded, even when awakened to a sense of their misery these victims have no power to break from the snare; they will “seek another drink.” Proverbs 23:35. MHH 185.1

No argument is needed to show the evil effects of intoxicants on the drunkard. The bleared, besotted wrecks of humanity—souls for whom Christ died and over whom angels weep—are everywhere. They are a blot on our boasted civilization. They are the shame and curse and peril of every land. MHH 185.2

And who can picture the wretchedness, the agony, the despair, that are hidden in the drunkard’s home? Think of the wife, often delicately reared, sensitive, cultured, and refined, linked to one whom drink transforms into a sot or a demon. Think of the children, robbed of home comforts, education, and training, living in terror of him who should be their pride and protection, thrust into the world, bearing the brand of shame, often with the hereditary curse of the drunkard’s thirst. MHH 185.3

Think of the frightful accidents that are every day occurring through the influence of drink. Some official on a railway train neglects to heed a signal or misinterprets an order. On goes the train. There is a collision, and many lives are lost. Or a ship runs aground, and passengers and crew find a watery grave. When the matter is investigated, it is found that someone at an important post was under the influence of drink. To what extent can one indulge the liquor habit and be safely trusted with the lives of human beings? Only one who totally abstains can be trusted. MHH 185.4