Joel 1:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Just like physicians often prescribe potent remedies to heal their patients, inflicting discomfort to restore them to health, Paul warns of impending hardships and divine judgments, metaphorically "girding their jaws with bridle," as written (Psalms 31:9), urging them to embrace wisdom and turn toward what is virtuous and praiseworthy.

Thus, he admonishes, "Be sober, ye that drink wine." This counsel is directed at those who indulge to the point of intoxication, suggesting that had they recognized their folly sooner, they would have only needed the initial chastisement. Yet, when they failed to respond to earlier correction, further trials were imposed, often escalating in severity. However, even if belatedly, those who awaken to their senses and depart from their destructive impulses, akin to a mind shackled by drunkenness, are led to sincerely lament their transgressions. It is important to recognize that each of us harbors an intoxicating influence within our hearts, manifesting as various passions: one may chase after greed, another may be ensnared by worldly desires and pleasures, while others succumb to different forms of sin. We are all susceptible to harmful and ungodly inclinations—some more fervently than others.

Thus, the prophet advises, "Be sober, ye that are drunk with wine," encouraging those drowning in hedonism to grieve their condition since their longing for pleasure surpasses mere sufficiency, leading to excess and debauchery. From such individuals, he observes, joy and happiness are stripped away. Therefore, Christ rightly asserts, "Blessed are they that mourn," for they shall undoubtedly be comforted (Matt. 5:4). For those who indulge in luxuries, tears and sorrow become imperative, as the culmination of pleasure ultimately ends in lamentation, dragging those who are enamored with it toward despair. Furthermore, David aptly proclaims, "In death there is no remembrance of Thee" (Psalm 6:6), and similarly asserts, "The dead do not praise the LORD, nor any who go down into silence; but we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore" (Psalm 113:25-26). This sentiment can also be applied to earthly experiences: when the sources of joy are stripped away by pests and misfortunes, the resulting despair robs victims of their happiness and vitality, often leading to severe emotional and physical tolls.

Is it not akin to intoxication when, due to shameful desires, the liberty of the soul yields to base flatteries? When one uses the fruits of their labor for another's indulgence? When they pursue enjoyment through deceit and betrayal? When they act brazenly in plain sight yet imagine themselves unseen, simply to possess their desire? Selfishness too constrains the spirit, depriving one of all joy, compounded by fear and the lure of corrupt vices. Thus, it is proclaimed: Awaken and rise, not from wine, as the LXX traducers indicate, but from all manner of wicked indulgence. Mourn and lament, repenting and surrendering to the sorrow that leads to life, and cry out all you who indulge in sweet or intoxicating beverages. Vices are enticing, as honey drips from the mouth of the adulteress (Proverbs 5:3), which is therefore unacceptable as an offering to God, for the wine—this intoxication and sweetness that bewitched you—has been removed from your lips. God's providence often brings those unaware of Him to recognize His presence in hardship, and those who misused their wealth may turn to virtue through poverty. Let the elders hear this message, and let the inhabitants of the earth attentively discern the command regarding the wine that incites debauchery (Eph. 5:18), for those who are engulfed by it shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Let the one who has succumbed to the drunkenness of wine awaken, weep for their folly, and cry out, so that their lamentation may transform into joy and they might rejoice, freed from the very means of intoxication that left them mad and intoxicated.