Genesis 29:25

New International Version

When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”

For Meditation

Poor Jacob! I don’t know if to sympathize with him. The man was a master conman, but on the day Jacob married his first wife, he met his match.

I am not talking about his uncle and would-be father-in-law. Laban was just the facilitator and referee in that encounter. Jacob may have taken after him—you know, a kind of family disease. Laban had mastered the art of deceit to perfection, and he worked it on his nephew with his daughters. The real conman was ready at the marriage ceremony, and nobody recognized her. Jacob loved her so much. He worked seven years for her hand in marriage.

The day came for the traditional ceremony before the consummation of the marriage, and Laban threw a bash to celebrate the occasion. You can imagine the liberality of food and wine that went around—and Jacob gave himself to it. Laban made sure his nephew drank to His heart’s delight, knowing his intention for him. But the real deceiver was mocking all the time. It presented itself with all its smoothness and excellent punch, and when Laban saw that the wine had done its best on his nephew, he made his move and sent his first daughter, Leah, into the marriage bed.

So, why are you crying, Jacob? Why so angry when you did it to yourself? You gave yourself to the master deceiver and mocker—wine—that got you blinded and dulled your senses. How could you have otherwise missed the switch? How could you enjoy somebody other than your seven years of labor lover—Rachel. Didn’t you know her well enough to distinguish her from her sister? But that’s what you get for the love of wine. You deceived your blind father for your brother’s blessing, and now wine has blinded you to bless the wrong person with the strength of your youth.

It happens all the time around receptions at conferences, drinking bars, parties, family gatherings, and many other places. Leaders have made decisions that have ruined their nations. Wine has started wars and led to decisions those who give themselves to it have regretted the rest of their lives. The carnage continues because she is elegant in the glass and smooth going down the throat. I know her very well because I thought she was my lover during my unbelieving years before Christ revealed her deception to me.

My counsel to the ignorant and the challenger of this truth is, take the word of God seriously. Proverbs 20:1 says that wine is a mocker and beer, a brawler. Anybody who allows the duo to lead them astray is not wise. Run from her, and you will preserve your life.