Proverbs 23:21

KJV

For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the drunkard {H5433} and the glutton {H2151} shall come to poverty {H3423}: and drowsiness {H5124} shall clothe {H3847} a man with rags {H7168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for both drunkard and glutton will become poor -drowsiness will clothe them with rags

Berean Standard Bible

For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.

American Standard Version

For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty; And drowsiness will clothea manwith rags.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:21 issues a severe warning against the twin vices of excessive indulgence and debilitating idleness, presenting them as direct pathways to destitution and societal disgrace. The proverb highlights the practical, tangible consequences of a lack of self-control and diligence, asserting that habitual overconsumption of food and drink, coupled with a pervasive laziness, inevitably leads to financial ruin and a degraded personal state, symbolized by the imagery of rags.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a broader collection of "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), which are didactic instructions aimed at cultivating practical wisdom for daily living. Specifically, Proverbs 23:21 concludes a short unit (Proverbs 23:19-21) that advises the reader to "hear, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way" [Proverbs 23:19](/proverbs/23-19 "Proverbs 23:19 - Guidance for Wisdom"). It immediately follows a warning to "not be among those who drink too much wine, or among gluttonous eaters of meat" [Proverbs 23:20](/proverbs/23-20 "Proverbs 23:20 - Warning Against Drunkenness and Gluttony"), making Proverbs 23:21 a direct consequence of the behaviors previously cautioned against. The structure is characteristic of wisdom literature, presenting a clear cause-and-effect relationship between foolish choices and their inevitable negative outcomes, thereby reinforcing the importance of self-discipline and prudent living.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, a primarily agrarian society, diligence and responsible stewardship of resources were paramount for survival and prosperity. Poverty was often a consequence of idleness, poor choices, or misfortune, and while the Law provided for the poor, destitution resulting from self-inflicted folly carried significant social stigma. Drunkenness and gluttony were not merely moral failings but economic threats, as they led to wasted resources, neglected fields or trades, and impaired judgment. The imagery of being "clothed with rags" vividly communicated a state of extreme poverty and social degradation, a stark contrast to the valued virtues of hard work and moderation that ensured a stable household and community. This proverb would have resonated deeply in a culture where communal well-being was tied to individual responsibility.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 23:21 powerfully underscores several core themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it emphasizes the **consequences of indulgence**, directly linking habitual drunkenness and gluttony to financial ruin and destitution. This is not merely a moral condemnation but a pragmatic warning about the economic hardship that arises from wasteful living and a lack of discipline, aligning with the broader biblical emphasis on responsible stewardship. Secondly, it highlights the **peril of idleness**, as "drowsiness" signifies not just physical sleepiness but a deeper state of lethargy, laziness, and lack of ambition. This spiritual and mental sloth prevents productive work and responsible living, ultimately leading to neglect and poverty, a theme echoed in passages like [Proverbs 6:11](/proverbs/6-11 "Proverbs 6:11 - The Sluggard's Poverty"), where poverty overtakes the sluggard "like an armed man." Finally, the verse implicitly calls for **stewardship and discipline**, advocating for self-control as a pathway to stability and prosperity, contrasting it with the path of indulgence that leads to want and a life of rags.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glutton (Hebrew, _zâlal'_):** From H2151, a primitive root meaning "to shake (as in the wind), i.e. to quake; figuratively, to be loose morally, worthless or prodigal." This word implies more than just overeating; it suggests a profligate, wasteful, or even morally vile character. A "glutton" is one who squanders resources and lacks self-control, leading to a state of moral and financial looseness.
* **Poverty (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** From H3423, a primitive root meaning "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish, to ruin." The use of this word here is particularly strong, suggesting that poverty doesn't just happen; it actively "seizes" or "dispossesses" the individual, taking away their stability and possessions as a direct consequence of their actions.
* **Drowsiness (Hebrew, _nûwmâh'_):** From H5124, meaning "sleepiness." This term goes beyond mere physical fatigue to denote a state of mental and spiritual lethargy, a lack of vigilance, attentiveness, and initiative. It represents a pervasive slothfulness that prevents one from engaging in productive labor or managing their affairs responsibly.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty":** This initial clause establishes a direct causal link between two specific forms of indulgence—habitual excessive drinking and wasteful overeating—and the inevitable outcome of financial ruin. The "drunkard" (çâbâʼ) refers to one who is given to excessive wine consumption, while the "glutton" (zâlal) implies a wasteful, profligate eater. The verb "shall come to poverty" (yârash) underscores that destitution is not a random misfortune but a direct, predictable consequence that "seizes" or "dispossesses" those who live without restraint. This highlights the practical economic impact of such vices in a society where resources were precious and hard-earned.
* **"and drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags":** This second clause expands the warning to include the vice of idleness, personified as "drowsiness" (nûwmâh). This is not just physical sleepiness but a deeper spiritual and mental lethargy, a lack of diligence and vigilance. The powerful imagery of "drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags" signifies that this pervasive slothfulness will lead to such neglect and destitution that one's very attire will bear witness to their impoverished state. Rags (qeraʻ) are tattered, torn garments, a vivid symbol of extreme want, disrepair, and social degradation, directly resulting from the failure to work and manage one's life.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:21 employs several effective literary devices to convey its stark warning. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where the first warns against indulgence leading to poverty, and the second warns against idleness leading to rags. Both clauses present a clear cause-and-effect relationship, reinforcing the central message through repetition of structure. The phrase "drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags" utilizes **Personification**, attributing the human action of "clothing" to the abstract concept of "drowsiness." This vivid imagery makes the consequence of idleness more immediate and impactful, as if sloth itself actively strips one of their dignity and covers them in destitution. Furthermore, this phrase also functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, where "rags" symbolize not only physical poverty but also the loss of social standing, self-respect, and overall well-being that accompanies a life of neglect and lack of discipline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 23:21 resonates deeply with broader biblical themes concerning wisdom, self-control, and the consequences of sin. It underscores the principle that human choices, particularly those related to self-discipline and diligence, have tangible and often severe outcomes. The proverb's warning against gluttony and drunkenness aligns with the biblical call for moderation and sobriety, recognizing that excess in any area can lead to spiritual and physical ruin, diverting one from God's intended path of flourishing. It also highlights the importance of responsible stewardship of time, resources, and one's body, viewing them as gifts from God to be managed wisely, not squandered through indulgence or sloth. Ultimately, the passage serves as a reminder that true wisdom involves practical living that honors God and leads to a life of stability and integrity.

* [Galatians 5:19](/galatians/5-19 "Galatians 5:19 - Works of the Flesh")
* [1 Corinthians 6:9](/1_corinthians/6-9 "1 Corinthians 6:9 - Inheriting the Kingdom of God")
* [Proverbs 6:6](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:21 offers timeless wisdom that transcends its ancient context, speaking directly to contemporary challenges of self-control, consumerism, and productivity. In a world often characterized by instant gratification and abundant access to indulgences, the proverb serves as a vital reminder that unchecked appetites—whether for food, drink, entertainment, or material possessions—can lead to profound personal and financial destitution. It calls us to cultivate a disciplined life, recognizing that true freedom is found not in unrestrained indulgence but in the mastery of our desires. Furthermore, the warning against "drowsiness" challenges the pervasive idleness that can manifest in procrastination, lack of initiative, or a general apathy towards responsibilities. Embracing diligence, hard work, and responsible stewardship of our time and resources is not merely a path to financial stability but a spiritual discipline that fosters character, purpose, and a life that honors God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do modern forms of "gluttony" and "drowsiness" manifest in our lives, beyond literal overeating or sleeping?**
* **What practical steps can individuals take to cultivate greater self-control and diligence in an age of constant distraction and readily available indulgence?**
* **How does this proverb challenge contemporary societal norms that often promote consumerism, instant gratification, or a lack of personal responsibility?**
* **Considering the spiritual implications, how might "drowsiness" hinder one's spiritual growth and engagement with God's call?**

### FAQ
**Is this proverb only about financial poverty?**

Answer: While the proverb explicitly mentions "poverty" and "rags," which denote financial and material destitution, its message extends beyond mere economics. The "poverty" it describes is holistic, encompassing a degradation of one's entire being—social standing, personal dignity, and overall well-being. The "rags" symbolize not just a lack of material possessions but a state of neglect and disrepair in one's life. The underlying principle is that a lack of discipline and diligence in any area can lead to a impoverished existence, whether it be in relationships, health, or spiritual vitality. The proverb uses financial ruin as a vivid, tangible illustration of a broader spiritual and moral decay that results from unchecked indulgence and idleness, aligning with the broader wisdom of [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth").

**Does "drowsiness" refer only to physical sleepiness?**

Answer: No, "drowsiness" (Hebrew, _nûwmâh_) in this context extends beyond simple physical sleepiness. It signifies a deeper state of lethargy, apathy, and lack of vigilance. It represents a spiritual and mental slothfulness that prevents one from being attentive to their duties, managing their affairs, or seizing opportunities. This kind of "drowsiness" leads to neglect, procrastination, and ultimately, a failure to thrive. It is a metaphor for a lack of diligence and initiative, a theme frequently addressed in Proverbs, such as the warnings against the "sluggard" in [Proverbs 24:30-34](/proverbs/24-30 "Proverbs 24:30-34 - The Field of the Sluggard").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 23:21 offers practical wisdom for earthly living, its deepest fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of perfect self-control and diligence, never succumbing to gluttony or drunkenness, and always about His Father's business, even to the point of death on the cross [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility"). Unlike those who come to poverty through indulgence, Christ, though rich, "became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich" [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches"). He took upon Himself the rags of our sin and shame, offering us the robe of His righteousness [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Robe of Righteousness"). The gospel transforms our hearts, empowering us by the Holy Spirit to overcome the very appetites and idleness that lead to ruin [Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Life by the Spirit"). Instead of being "clothed with rags" of our own making, believers are called to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" [Romans 13:14](/romans/13-14 "Romans 13:14 - Put on Christ"). Through Christ, we are given the spiritual resources and renewed will to live lives of discipline and purpose, reflecting His character and diligently pursuing His kingdom, rather than succumbing to the destructive paths of the world.

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

Proverbs 21:17

¶ He that loveth pleasure [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

Proverbs 6:9

How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

Proverbs 6:11

So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.

1 Corinthians 5:11

But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

Galatians 5:21

Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told [you] in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Proverbs 19:15

¶ Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger.

Deuteronomy 21:20

And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son [is] stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; [he is] a glutton, and a drunkard.