Drink Devotional Method: Guarding Our Desires (Proverbs 23)

Today, we turn to Proverbs chapter 23—a chapter that compels us to examine the desires of our heart, whether for riches, pleasures, or misguided companionships. It invites us to weigh life in light of wisdom, discipline, and eternal values.

D – Devotional Reading

Proverbs 23 (King James Version)

1 When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee:
2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
3 Be not desirous of his dainties: for they are deceitful meat.
4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
6 Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye, neither desire thou his dainty meats:
7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
8 The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up, and lose thy sweet words.
9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
10 Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless:
11 For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
12 Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.
13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.
14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.
15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.
16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.
19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.
20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.
23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.
24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.
25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.
26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.
27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.
28 She also lieth in wait as for a prey, and increaseth the transgressors among men.
29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
34 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.
35 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.

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R – Reflection

As I read Proverbs 23, I find my heart confronted with subtle and not-so-subtle temptations—desires for wealth, indulgence in food or drink, and chasing fleeting pleasures. The counsel in this chapter isn't just ancient wisdom; it's personal. It tells me: “Don’t crave his dainties,” and “Labour not to be rich.” These words stir in me a desire for discernment. I see how unchecked appetites can drive a person away from God. Even parental instruction, mentioned here so tenderly, reminds me of the love and guidance that God gives through those who care for my soul. This chapter shapes my understanding: our desires must be disciplined to honor God, not ourselves.

I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.

Proverbs 23 instructs us to guard our hearts against covetousness and excess. It commands us not to envy sinners (v.17), not to pursue riches (v.4), and to avoid gluttony and drunkenness (v.20-21). There’s also a call to listen to wise counsel and not despise parental guidance (v.22-23). These verses teach that true riches lie in wisdom, truth, and the fear of the Lord—not in what satisfies temporarily. God calls me to be sober-minded and disciplined in every area of life.

N – Now Live It

Today, I will pay attention to what influences my desires. I'll take inventory of my habits—what I read, watch, crave—and ask, “Does this lead me closer to God or away?” Practically, I’ll fast from something that often distracts or tempts me and replace it with time in Scripture or prayer. I'll also choose to heed advice from godly mentors instead of relying on my own understanding.

K – Kneel in Prayer

Father, You see the cravings of my heart, the subtle idols I chase, and the distractions that so often pull me away. Forgive me for pursuing things that don't last. Help me live with disciplined desire, focused on Your wisdom and truth. Teach me to say no to fleeting pleasures and yes to the joy of walking in Your ways. Keep my eyes fixed on Christ, who gave Himself for me, so I may be rich in grace and purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You may also read our Proverbs 22 Devotional.

What is DRINK Devotional Method?

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ. Each letter in DRINK stands for a step while doing your silent moment with the scripture:

• D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (Preferably at least 1 chapter).
• R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.
• I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.
• N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown.
• K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you’re just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

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