3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly-- my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. (NIV)
In this verse, Solomon is just continuing what he said in verses 1-2. Another kind of pleasure is the pleasure of wine or any alcohol. We could apply this to any substance people use for pleasure, but we'll keep using Solomon's own word, "wine." Solomon doesn't say he got falling down drunk, since his mind was "still guiding" him "with wisdom." Solomon is talking about enjoying, not abusing, his wine.
But even though the mere enjoyment of alcohol for its own sake, in moderation, isn't sinful (1 Timothy 5:23), it has to be evident to anyone, that getting buzzed is not the point of living. God's plan for us goes beyond the pursuit of happiness, and goes beyond even happiness itself. God's plan for us is the rescue of our souls, and that comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
Abusing the pleasures of life, such as wine, is also destructive. Getting drunk is a violation of the Fifth Commandment, since we are hurting and/or harming a human being's body--our own. And when we fall into this sin, as with any other, we ask God for forgiveness and for the strength and courage to turn away from this temptation in the future. His forgiveness covers over our sins, and in our thanks, we keep on asking for his help.
His mercy endures forever.
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