²⁹ Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? ³⁰ Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.

Proverbs 23:29-30 NKJV

The word “woe” is a warning of coming sorrow and suffering. In this case, Solomon warns those that linger (tarry/love) wine. He says that they will have sorrow, contentions, complaints, wounds without cause, and redness of eyes. Now, while it is clear that Solomon was speaking to those who love wine, I want to take a different view at this proverb.

There are many who are obsessed with the world and they linger for what it offers. You have heard me speak about this obsession time and time again. Why is that? Those who linger for the world – its power and riches – will find such woe level against them as well. There is sorrow that awaits those who much rather linger on the world than keep their mind stayed on the Lord. Those who have their mind stayed on the Lord find perfect peace.

However, how many people truly are satisfied in their soul by the world? Many of those who are obsessed with the world are living in misery and sorrow today. Why? Because obtaining a true blessing from the world is impossible. Many are in search of mixed wine thinking it will bless them when God should be the one they seek. With God, there is peace, but with the world there is sorrow.

So, I encourage you today to consider your mindset – your focus – and where it will lead you.