New Year's celebrations are just around the corner and unfortunately many people in society will be drinking far too much alcohol. Drunkenness causes so much damage in people's lives yet it continues to be a major social problem, especially amongst young people.

No wonder the Bible so frequently warns about the dangers of excessive use of alcohol. Here are a few wise admonitions with a lot of relevance to our contemporary world:

• "Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise." [Proverbs 20:1. NIV]
• "Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks. Don't gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down. For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper. You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things. You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast. And you will say, 'They hit me, but I didn't feel it. I didn't even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?'" [Proverbs 23:29-35. NLT]
• "Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." [Ephesians 5:18-20. NLT] 

As you see in the New Year with family and friends, enjoy each other, thank God for his goodness, celebrate life, and look forward with anticipation to a good New Year. Thankfully, you can have a fun time of celebration without alcohol, but if you do choose to drink, make sure you do so in moderation - for everyone's benefit, including your own. If you're struggling with alcohol addiction, then have the courage to get some help. Through the power of Jesus Christ, you can be free.