In the biblical context, the concept of the wicked deriving happiness from drunkenness is addressed with caution and warning. The Scriptures consistently portray drunkenness as a vice that leads individuals away from righteousness and into a state of moral and spiritual decay. The temporary pleasure or happiness that the wicked may find in drunkenness is ultimately deceptive and destructive.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 20:1 : "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This verse highlights the deceptive nature of alcohol, suggesting that those who indulge in it are led astray from wisdom. The wicked may find temporary happiness in drunkenness, but it ultimately mocks them and leads to strife.

2. Isaiah 5:11-12 : "Woe to those who rise early in the morning to run after their drinks, who stay up late at night till they are inflamed with wine. They have harps and lyres at their banquets, tambourines and flutes and wine, but they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD, no respect for the work of his hands." This passage condemns those who pursue drunkenness and revelry, indicating that their happiness is shallow and devoid of spiritual awareness or respect for God.

3. Ephesians 5:18 : "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." The apostle Paul contrasts the fleeting pleasure of drunkenness with the enduring fulfillment found in being filled with the Holy Spirit. The wicked may seek happiness in alcohol, but it leads to reckless behavior and spiritual emptiness.

4. Habakkuk 2:15 : "Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin until they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their nakedness." This verse speaks to the exploitation and moral corruption associated with drunkenness. The wicked may derive a perverse sense of happiness from leading others into drunkenness, but it is condemned by God.

5. 1 Peter 4:3 : "For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry." Peter reminds believers that their past lives, characterized by such behaviors, are to be left behind. The happiness once found in these acts, including drunkenness, is to be replaced by a life of holiness.

Theological Implications:

The Bible's treatment of drunkenness as a source of happiness for the wicked underscores the broader theme of the futility of seeking fulfillment in worldly pleasures. Drunkenness is portrayed as a counterfeit joy that distracts from true spiritual contentment and leads to moral degradation. The temporary happiness it provides is contrasted with the lasting joy found in a life aligned with God's will.

The Scriptures call believers to a higher standard, urging them to seek the joy of the Lord rather than the fleeting pleasures of sin. The happiness of the wicked, derived from drunkenness, is ultimately a hollow and dangerous pursuit that stands in opposition to the life of righteousness and self-control that God desires for His people.Isaiah 5:11
Woe to them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 56:12
Come you, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... light from which all kinds of light are derived. ... reign alone is there righteousness,
and happiness, and continuance. ... now among the ungodly and wicked, to whose ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

The Marriage of Cana
... which he wrought, not by a power derived from another ... but I am persuaded you will
be wicked over-much. ... Fifthly, and lastly, This shows us the happiness of that ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the marriage of cana.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... is ended; thy happiness begins, where wicked men's end ... to be deprived of eternal
happiness and felicity ... of their time in lusts, drunkenness, wantonness, idleness ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... 389; object of, [801]401; with the wicked in guilt ... religious communion with others,
[831]383; derived from every ... for Christ, [1157]447; not happiness, [1158]460 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... triumph over sin, and bring universal peace and happiness. ... [223] This is probably
a term derived from the ... indistinct concerning the fate of the wicked, and has ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

The First Christmas Carol
... man; but I never knew any man who derived much comfort ... verse, this song of angels,
stir your heart with happiness? ... You need not think it a wicked thing to be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the first christmas carol.htm

A Treatise to Prove that no one Can Harm the Man who Does not ...
... now repeat, no man if he be infinitely wicked could attack ... of the pleasure which
no doubt is derived from the ... and put away, as to have the happiness of hearing ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/a treatise to prove that.htm

The Seventh Book
... midst of their iniquity, and devoured the happiness of former ... fault was still more
serious and wicked than this ... not clear through what channel Salvian derived it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

Acts II
... source from which this power could be derived, and this ... of his execution, but the
hands of wicked Jews ... the righteous are short of ultimate happiness during this ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ii.htm

Homiletical.
... is a certain advantage to be derived from the ... intoxicated characters, when they define
happiness as consisting ... part either of the unfortunate or of the wicked. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

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