"He is a drunkard who takes more than three glasses though he be not drunk"

Epictetus is cautioning against the threats of overindulgence in alcohol. He is saying that even if someone has not yet reached the point of drunkenness, they ought to still be careful not to drink too much. He is suggesting that someone who consumes more than 3 glasses of alcohol is an alcoholic, even if they are not yet drunk. This is due to the fact that they are on the course to ending up being a drunkard, and it is very important to be familiar with the threats related to extreme drinking. Epictetus is highlighting the significance of moderation and self-control when it pertains to alcohol consumption. He is recommending that it is better to be safe than sorry, which it is much better to err on the side of caution when it comes to drinking. By doing so, one can prevent the threats of ending up being an alcoholic.