Proverbs 31:4-7
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress, let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.”
This passage is an admonition to keep your mind clear and alert. It has particular application to leadership, because it is imperative that leaders reject anything that would impair their thinking and their judgment.
Underscoring the necessity of mental clarity, three times in the NT book of 1 Peter we are reminded to be sober-minded.
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1.13)
“The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.” (I Peter 4.7)
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.” (1 Peter 5.8)
Read those three verses again, and note how important having a clear mind is for living the Christian life. 1 Peter 4.7 is especially strong in it’s admonition. It literally says, “Be clear-minded and sober-minded,” using two forms of the same Greek word: sophronesate and nepsate. The word simply means “not intoxicated,” and therefore free from illusion or distortion.
While it is clearly understood that alcohol and drugs impair our thinking and judgment, there are other intoxicants that also have a distorting influence on our thinking:
- Ego and arrogance
- Lust and greed
- Jealousy and envy
- Unrestrained ambition
- Fear
- Anger
- Ignorance
- Depression
- Social influence and peer group pressure
When the mind comes under the disorienting influence of any of these things, it no longer sees or thinks clearly. Which is precisely why the Lord reminds us throughout scripture to be sober-minded.
Sadly, America today is overdosing on these disorienting intoxicants. We are drunk on ego, anger, fear, ignorance, and lust for power. We are in desperate need of leaders who refuse to submit to the influence of distorted thinking. We need leaders who have a clear mind. We need leaders who fear and trust God, and who see clearly, think effectively, and make wise decisions.
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4.3-5)
