18
"Gentlemen, how is wine the strongest? It leads astray the minds of all who drink it.
19
It makes equal the mind of the king and the orphan, of the slave and the free, of the poor and the rich.
20
It turns every thought to feasting and mirth, and forgets all sorrow and debt.
21
It makes all hearts feel rich, forgets kings and satraps, and makes everyone talk in millions.
22
When people drink they forget to be friendly with friends and kindred, and before long they draw their swords.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.