What Happens When Good People Are Led Astray?

Can something seemingly harmless quietly destroy a life?

In the Berlin Museum hangs a painting with a simple title: Lot. Created in 1485 by German artist Hans Baldung—known for his vivid imagination and bold use of color—this painting caught my attention not for its drama but for its striking simplicity. 

In the scene, Lot holds an oversized mug. His expression is unsettling: sly, conniving, even sinister. The message is clear—alcohol changes you. It can turn even a righteous person into someone unrecognizable. 

The Bible describes Lot as “just” and “righteous.” He escaped the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah—but what happened after was tragic, even disturbing. 

After fleeing, Lot’s daughters hatched a shocking plan. They got their father drunk, and in his intoxicated state, each had children by him. From these sons came kingdoms that opposed God’s people, practiced human sacrifice, and worshipped false gods. 

The Bible warns bluntly: 

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is deceived by it is not wise.” – Proverbs 20:1 

Lot was deceived by alcohol—and the consequences were catastrophic. 

Today, alcohol continues to bring pain: in violent fights, reckless driving, broken families, and countless health issues—from heart disease to depression and even suicide. 

For me, the choice is clear: I want nothing to do with alcohol. 

There’s a saying: fools never learn from their mistakes. Wise people learn from their own. The truly wise? They learn from others’. 

What about you? Will you learn from the painful lesson of Lot before it’s too late? 

ArtistHans Baldung Grien
TitleLot
Production1535–1540
MaterialOil on Panel
Dimensions45 x 56 cm
Exhibit LocationStaatliche Kunsthalle Karlsruhe
Accession Number2989 b
Credit Line
Image CreditWikimedia Commons
Written by Dr. Neale Schofield
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