Revelries

The word “revelries” describes an action that is condemned by God. Yet, the term “revelry” is not exactly an everyday word in our language. It has been rendered in other Bible translations as, “carousing” (RSV), “orgies” (NIV), “wild parties” (LL), revellings (KJV). Yet, even some of these terms can be difficult to understand.

It may be this word is better described than defined. So, imagine you are a high school senior and your friend invites you to spend the night at his house while his parents are out of town. As you arrive that evening, several of your classmates’ cars are parked in front of the house. In the living room, loud music is playing as people dance and touch each other sensually. As you walk into the kitchen and dining room, several varieties of liquor are being served and your friends are drinking heavily. You walk down the hall to the bathroom. As you walk in, one of your friends has his face near the toilet seat and is throwing up because he is drunk. You walk upstairs to find another bathroom and several couples are using the bedrooms to make out and have sex. You go outside to the backyard and some are smoking marijuana and planning destructive pranks. As you walk back inside, a fight breaks out amongst the partygoers. You leave.

This is revelry. It happens at “house parties” at sorority and frat parties and at bars and clubs all across town. Choose to stay and you are choosing to reject God’s will.

More Works of the Flesh