Proverbs 23:20

KJV

Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

KJV (with Strong's)

Be not among winebibbers {H3196}{H5433}; among riotous eaters {H2151} of flesh {H1320}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't be one of those who guzzle wine or of those who eat meat to excess,

Berean Standard Bible

Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.

American Standard Version

Be not among winebibbers, Among gluttonous eaters of flesh:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:20 delivers a potent warning against the company of those given to excessive indulgence, specifically identifying "winebibbers" and "riotous eaters of flesh." This proverb, characteristic of Solomon's wisdom, underscores the profound influence of one's associations on personal character and destiny, advocating for disciplined living and prudent choices to avoid the pitfalls of gluttony, drunkenness, and the ruin they inevitably bring.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is nestled within a larger collection of wisdom sayings (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), often referred to as "the words of the wise." Specifically, Proverbs 23 focuses on warnings against various forms of folly and temptation, including associating with the wicked, coveting wealth, and succumbing to gluttony and drunkenness. Verse 20 serves as a direct prohibition, immediately preceding a clear consequence in [Proverbs 23:21](/proverbs/23-21 "Proverbs 23:21 - Consequences of Gluttony and Drunkenness"), which states that "the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty." This close proximity highlights a cause-and-effect relationship between unrestrained indulgence, the company one keeps, and the resulting financial and social ruin, reinforcing the practical, real-world implications of wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wine was a common beverage, and meat was often a luxury, typically reserved for special occasions, sacrifices, or the wealthy. Therefore, "riotous eating of flesh" implies not merely consumption, but extravagant, wasteful feasting, often accompanied by excessive drinking. Such behavior was associated with idleness, lack of self-control, and a disregard for prudent stewardship, often leading to debt and poverty. The social structure of the time meant that one's reputation and standing were heavily influenced by their associations, and being "among" such individuals could easily lead to adopting their habits and sharing in their negative consequences. This warning reflects a societal concern for order, discipline, and the preservation of family and community well-being.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 23:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it strongly emphasizes the **importance of wise associations**, a recurring motif throughout the wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walk with the Wise")). The company one keeps directly shapes one's character and choices. Secondly, it highlights the necessity of **self-control and temperance** in all areas of life, particularly concerning appetites. This aligns with the broader call for discipline and moderation found in passages like [Proverbs 25:28](/proverbs/25-28 "Proverbs 25:28 - A City Without Walls"). Thirdly, the verse subtly touches upon **prudence and stewardship**, as excessive indulgence inevitably leads to financial ruin and a squandering of resources, a theme further developed in the subsequent verse, [Proverbs 23:21](/proverbs/23-21 "Proverbs 23:21 - The Consequences of Drunkenness and Gluttony").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Winebibbers (Hebrew, _yayin_ H3196; _çâbâʼ_ H5433):** The KJV translates "winebibbers" from a combination of two Hebrew terms. _Yayin_ (H3196) refers to "wine" itself, specifically fermented wine, and by implication, intoxication. _Çâbâʼ_ (H5433) is a verb meaning "to quaff to satiety," or "to become tipsy," and is used to describe a "drunkard" or "wine-bibber." Together, these terms depict someone who habitually and excessively drinks wine to the point of intoxication, indicating a pattern of intemperate behavior rather than mere occasional consumption.
* **Riotous (Hebrew, _zâlal_ H2151):** The Hebrew root _zâlal_ (H2151) is a primitive root meaning "to shake (as in the wind)," which figuratively extends to "to be loose morally, worthless or prodigal." It conveys the idea of being wasteful, profligate, or gluttonous. In this context, it describes someone who consumes food, particularly meat (a luxury), in an uncontrolled, extravagant, and often destructive manner, indicating a lack of discipline and a tendency towards excess.
* **Flesh (Hebrew, _bâsâr_ H1320):** While _bâsâr_ (H1320) literally means "flesh" (from its freshness), referring to the physical body or meat, its pairing with "riotous eaters" elevates its significance beyond simple consumption. It points to the specific indulgence in a costly food item in a manner that is wasteful and undisciplined, contributing to the overall picture of profligate living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be not among winebibbers":** This is a direct, imperative command, urging the hearer to avoid the company of those who are habitually given to excessive drinking. The emphasis is on association, recognizing that proximity to such individuals can lead to imitation of their destructive habits and shared consequences. It's a call to choose one's companions wisely, understanding their profound influence on personal conduct and character.
* **"among riotous eaters of flesh:":** This clause parallels the first, extending the warning to include those who indulge in gluttonous and wasteful consumption of food, particularly meat, which was a sign of luxury and extravagance. The term "riotous" (from _zâlal_) implies not just eating a lot, but eating in a profligate, uncontrolled, and possibly destructive manner. The juxtaposition with "winebibbers" highlights a broader pattern of undisciplined, self-indulgent living that squanders resources and leads to ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:20 employs several effective literary devices. The primary device is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous or perhaps antithetical parallelism, where "winebibbers" and "riotous eaters of flesh" present two distinct but related forms of self-indulgence that are equally condemned. This structure reinforces the comprehensive nature of the warning against all forms of excess. The phrase also utilizes **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "winebibbers" and "eaters of flesh" stand for entire lifestyles characterized by a lack of self-control, wastefulness, and idleness, rather than just the literal acts of drinking and eating. The verse functions as an **Admonition** or **Imperative**, using a direct command ("Be not") to strongly advise against a specific behavior and association, underscoring its importance for wise living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb, though practical in its immediate application, resonates with profound theological principles concerning self-control, stewardship, and the nature of wisdom. It teaches that true wisdom involves not only knowing what is right but also actively disassociating from influences that lead to spiritual and physical decay. The call to temperance in food and drink foreshadows New Testament teachings on the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and the importance of living a disciplined life that honors God. The warning against bad company highlights God's concern for our character formation, recognizing that our environment profoundly impacts our spiritual journey.

* [Proverbs 28:7](/proverbs/28-7 "Proverbs 28:7 - Companion of Riotous Men")
* [Romans 13:13](/romans/13-13 "Romans 13:13 - Walk Properly, Not in Orgies and Drunkenness")
* [Galatians 5:21](/galatians/5-21 "Galatians 5:21 - Works of the Flesh: Drunkenness, Orgies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:20 remains powerfully relevant for contemporary life. It challenges us to critically examine our associations, recognizing that the company we keep profoundly shapes our habits, values, and ultimate trajectory. Beyond literal wine and food, this proverb speaks to any form of excessive indulgence, whether it be in spending, entertainment, social media, or even work, that leads to a loss of control, spiritual apathy, or neglect of responsibilities. It calls us to cultivate a life of intentional discipline, moderation, and wise stewardship of our bodies, time, and resources. Embracing this wisdom fosters true freedom from the enslavement of appetites and allows us to live purposefully, honoring God and serving others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "winebibbers" or "riotous eaters of flesh" (in their modern equivalents) might I be associating with, and how are they influencing my choices and character?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be struggling with excess or a lack of self-control, and what steps can I take to cultivate greater discipline?**
* **How does my stewardship of my body, time, and resources reflect the wisdom (or lack thereof) taught in this proverb?**
* **What practical steps can I take to intentionally choose associations that encourage spiritual growth and responsible living?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse forbid all consumption of alcohol or meat?**

Answer: No, the verse does not forbid the consumption of alcohol or meat in general. Instead, it specifically warns against being "among winebibbers" and "riotous eaters of flesh." The emphasis is on *excess*, *habitual indulgence*, and *wasteful profligacy*, rather than moderate consumption. Wine was a common beverage in ancient Israel, and meat was consumed, especially on special occasions. The warning is against the lifestyle of uncontrolled gluttony and drunkenness, which leads to ruin, as seen in [Proverbs 23:21](/proverbs/23-21 "Proverbs 23:21 - The Consequences of Drunkenness and Gluttony").

**What does "riotous" mean in the context of "riotous eaters of flesh"?**

Answer: The term "riotous" (from the Hebrew _zâlal_) implies more than just eating a lot. It carries connotations of being wasteful, profligate, extravagant, and uncontrolled. It describes someone who squanders resources through excessive and undisciplined consumption, particularly of a luxury item like meat. It's about a lifestyle of self-indulgence and a lack of prudence, leading to moral and financial decay. This is in contrast to a disciplined and temperate approach to food and resources.

**Why is the company one keeps so important according to this proverb?**

Answer: The proverb's injunction, "Be not among," highlights the profound influence of associations. Wisdom literature consistently teaches that one's companions shape one's character, habits, and destiny. Being "among" winebibbers and riotous eaters means exposure to their destructive patterns, temptations, and potential shared consequences. As [1 Corinthians 15:33](/1_corinthians/15-33 "1 Corinthians 15:33 - Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals") states, "Bad company corrupts good character." The proverb warns that such associations can subtly or overtly lead one away from a path of wisdom and discipline into folly and ruin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 23:20 offers practical wisdom for earthly living, its deeper fulfillment is found in Christ. Jesus perfectly embodied the self-control and temperance that this proverb advocates, never succumbing to the temptations of gluttony or drunkenness, even when falsely accused of being a "glutton and a winebibber" by His critics ([Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Jesus Accused of Gluttony and Drunkenness")). Unlike those who live for earthly appetites, Christ consistently prioritized spiritual nourishment over physical gratification, famously declaring, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work" ([John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus's True Food")). Furthermore, the New Testament teaches that believers, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, are empowered to cultivate **self-control** as a fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:23](/galatians/5-23 "Galatians 5:23 - The Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control")), enabling them to live lives of discipline that honor God and resist the very excesses warned against in Proverbs. Ultimately, our true satisfaction and ultimate feast are found not in earthly indulgence, but in Christ, who invites us to the eternal banquet of His kingdom, where true joy and abundance are found ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Romans 13:13

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

Isaiah 5:22

Woe unto [them that are] mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:

Matthew 24:49

And shall begin to smite [his] fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;

Luke 16:19

¶ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

Luke 15:13

And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.