Titus 2:3 (c) — How Much is Much?

Likewise, teach the older women … not to be … addicted to much wine …

Summary: Being nearsighted means we do not always “see” the long term impact of our choices. The word “addicted” has a very technical meaning in our culture. Other translations offer a more general way of looking at this passage. 

Do you know what it is like to be nearsighted? I do. I have lived with the condition most of my life. Without glasses, my world is a frustrating blur of indistinct shapes. There are no words to read or friendly faces to see. 

Myopia is a condition of the mind that resembles nearsightedness. Sometimes people get so immersed in their work that they lose sight of the every day realities around them. Today’s passage is an example of this condition. I am certain that the people who translated the NIV from Greek are excellent scholars. The thing is, scholars are people, too. 

When you hear the phrase, “addicted to much wine,” what do you think? “Addicted” is a strong word, isn’t it? Someone who is addicted will do anything to get their next “fix.” 

Do you wonder how much wine is okay? Is there a wine scale that starts at a “little wine” and continues up to “much wine?” Is it okay to be addicted to a little wine or some wine? As long as it is not “much wine,” that is. And who decides how much wine is “much wine?”

I do not mean to be critical of the translation. Other translations render this passage as “enslaved to much wine” (Mounce), or “not given to much wine” (KJV). This is a very challenging passage to render in a meaningful and faithful way. There is a reason I point this out. The word “addicted” has a strong association with chemical addiction, meaning an uncontrollable need. 

Perhaps Paul added the “much” to “much wine” to differentiate between heavy drinking and social drinking. We know from other scriptures Paul’s thoughts on this. He is not advocating total abstinence from wine except to protect others from temptation. (See “Titus 1:7 (e) — Clothespins & Wine”)

Paul has already cautioned church leaders against too much wine. Now he focuses on the older women. Why them? Because, whether they know it or not, they set the example for other women. 

I remember a Bible class where the instructor showed the contents of two small boxes to two volunteers, a man, and a woman. The man’s face remained stoic as he looked in each box. The woman’s face clearly expressed what she was feeling. The class was not able to see what was in the boxes. They were asked to give their thoughts about each box based on the reactions they had seen from the volunteers. In each case, the younger women followed the lead of the older volunteer. The box that contained sweets was the one they looked forward to opening. The box that contained garbage was the one they wanted to avoid. 

How we behave, what we say and do, influences others. Is Paul drawing the line at people who are “addicted” to large quantities of wine? Does the phrase “enslaved to much wine” cover more people? The gentle phrasing of the King James Version simply says, “not given to much wine.” This last one is a bit old fashioned in its phrasing, but the meaning has broad application. 

A person might not be “addicted” to the point of drinking every day, but “given” to consuming large amounts of wine now and then. Which phrase conveys Paul’s meaning the best? While we cannot know what Paul was thinking, if we have to err, it is probably best to err on the side of caution. 

Application: What we do and say influences other people. As Christians we need to be mindful of that every day. 

Food for Thought: Should people try and understand these types of passaged for ourselves, or depend on others to “interpret” them? 

9 Replies to “Titus 2:3 (c) — How Much is Much?”

  1. I believe we should all do our homework. When it comes to God’s word and questions we have we need to do some research, digging, studying and praying. We should allow the Holy Spirit to be our teacher and study the word in its context. If we simply depend on other’s opinions we are subject to their errors. And if we do our own study the truths seem more real. It is more powerful to discover a truth than simply be told a truth. 2 Timothy 2: 15 is not just for pastors.

  2. Forming your own opinion is a good thing. It should however, be not outrageously out of the mainstream. It is unlikely if I am the only person to hold the view to be correct.
    I would also say it is likely a very good idea to stay away from harmful addictions. If you have a habit of spending time with the Lord, or constantly praying, and praising Him, or rejoicing in the Lord, or encouraging other believers then I think you probably have some good habits or addictions. If you are hooked on Jesus I am not going to fault you.
    A thing, person, practice, if used or indulged in in an inappropriate way can easily become an idol. So whether it’s wine, or anything else which occupies your thoughts, time, energy, affections, ect. let it go.
    Let us put God and His priorities, and Kingdom first and then it is likely we are on the right track. ( Matthew 6:33).

  3. I would also add that Ephesians 5:18 says rather than being full of wine, or letting alcohol influence or control your actions we should be full of the Holy Spirit.
    One way to know if this is true is to ask yourself if you are consistently seeking to add value to others, and encourage and help them you are probably controlled by the Spirit. If you are kind to all, including unbelievers perhaps the doors will open to share the gospel at an appropriate time at the good news will be received.
    Have a Blessed day.

  4. Should people try and understand these types of passages for ourselves, or depend on others to “interpret” them?
     
    Jesus has told us many will come in my name claiming to be the Messiah, the Anointed, the way to God and will deceive many. Jones Town, Waco, Jim Bakker, Joel Osteen, Latter Day Saints, Church of Scientology, are only a few examples of modern deception. They are not of God but lead many away from God because their lies are pleasing to the natural, sinful human.

    The Bible tells us, “A Teacher” will be sent to each believer. “The Holy Spirit” who revealed our human sin nature to us, gave faith and life to our spirits the moment we accepted this truth in repentance, and now remains in the heart of each believer as our Counselor and Teacher. He will teach us and help us to retain and apply Gods truths to our lives.

    As new christians we are like babies and need adult christian love and care to grow into the person God wants us to be. We have to get a bible and begin taking it to church where we read each verse as the Pastor is teaching. If he is speaking by the power of the Holy Spirit in Him, we will know it. Get into a Sunday school class, bible study group. We won’t understand every detail of the Bible, but we will feel the assurance of the Holy Spirit as the truth is being taught and begin to look forward to each gathering, giving it a priority over other activities.

    Only the truth of God will satisfy the Holy Spirit in each believer who is seeking to grow in Christ. He will guide each of us to the church family where we belong and we will grow as we learn and apply the truths being taught. As we grow, God will reveal His truths as we prayerfully study privately and serve Him as He directs our lives.

    We don’t grow in isolation but we don’t depend on others to secure our salvation and service to God. Only God can provide these.
    Matthew 24:5, John 14:16-18, 26, 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:7

  5. I think and believe that the Word is living and works both ways. It is wise to seek wise counsel on things but scriptures can talk to me through the Holy Spirit. So to me everyone is correct in the answer as long as it is true to our Lord and glorifies Him with the end result.

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