The state of drunkenness varied from one individual to the next, then as now. The condemnation regards losing one’s better judgment, becoming much more prone to sin. Being “merry” due to the influence of alcohol is not condemned, it could even be said that it was encouraged.
So, where’s the line, between merely merry and drunk? It’s the behavior. Acting out of character, making a total fool of oneself, behaving immorally.
Anyone who has been at least a social drinker knows when he or she has had too much. Slurring, problems with motor skills, speaking inappropriately, etc. so it’s really not such a mystery. Stop before you begin to lose control of yourself. An elevated mood is not losing control.
Some determine that any amount of alcohol is too much, and if they want to abstain out of a desire to do the Lord’s will then so be it and I support them. But, I do drink on occasion. I limit myself now. There have been times in my life when I didn’t. I would have been better off if I had.
I think you nail it right there . . . I might add, stop short of endangering yourself and others.