And so it may not happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, “I shall have peace, even though I follow the dictates of my heart”—as though the drunkard could be included with the sober. (Deuteronomy 29:19)

Far too often, people delude themselves into thinking “It can’t happen to me.” That is pretty much the attitude Moses addressed in this verse. He warned God’s people not to fall into the trap of thinking they could do as they wished and get away with it. According to Moses, for someone to do as they please without consequence is about as likely as someone confusing a drunkard with someone who is sober. At least that is one way this verse is interpreted. However, Jewish commentators suggest that the person who convinces themself that, “It can’t happen to me,” is like a drunkard who convinces himself that he is sober.

Being “intoxicated” in this manner, the person’s desire to do as they please will lead to even more sinful behavior furthering their drunken state, as it were. As if on a deadly merry-go-round, the person’s self indulgence increases their desire for what pleases their flesh; greater desire then hastens to be satiated by even more indulgence. In other words, as the person’s “thirst” for other sins increases, his ability to discern reality and make wiser choices decreases until his situation becomes quite grave. Far too often, the person never realizes they are on a merry-go-round until it’s too late to get off. More often than not, the end result is tragedy. 

So what can we take away from this? We would do well to realize that we are our own worst enemy. By that I mean, our greatest adversary is the person we see in the mirror because, when it is convenient to our will, the person in the mirror will lie to us and justify the desires of our flesh. Sadly, all of us have a tendency to “bless” ourselves and “follow the dictates of our heart.” Therefore, we would do well not to follow our heart but to abide by the Word of God. Our emotions and carnal inclinations will deceive us but the Word of God will always lead us into paths of peace, life and blessing. The truth of the matter is that, if we fail to obey what God says, “It can happen to me!” So let us be sober minded and always ready to heed God’s commands.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill 

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