Proverbs 23:29

Proverbs 23:29 opens a powerful section of wisdom literature with a series of rhetorical questions, painting a vivid picture of misery and disorder. The verse asks, "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?" These questions are designed to provoke reflection, leading the reader to consider the source of such widespread suffering and negative consequences. The answer, though not explicitly stated in this verse, is immediately revealed in the verses that follow, pointing directly to the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption.

Context

This verse is part of a larger collection of practical wisdom within the book of Proverbs, often attributed to Solomon. The book frequently contrasts wisdom with folly, righteousness with wickedness, and the path of life with the path of destruction. Proverbs 23:29 serves as a dramatic introduction to a detailed warning against drunkenness and its devastating effects, which are elaborated upon in Proverbs 23:30-35. The wisdom tradition in Israel sought to guide individuals towards a life of order, self-control, and harmony, contrasting sharply with the chaos described here.

Key Themes

• Consequences of Intemperance: The verse directly links a litany of woes—woe, sorrow, contentions, babbling, senseless wounds, and physical symptoms—to a specific destructive behavior. It highlights how lack of self-control leads to a cascade of negative outcomes, both personal and social.
• Loss of Self-Control: The progression from internal misery ("woe," "sorrow") to external conflict ("contentions") and physical harm ("wounds without cause," "redness of eyes") illustrates the comprehensive breakdown of self-control and sound judgment.
• Wisdom vs. Folly: This passage stands as a stark warning against the path of folly, emphasizing that true wisdom involves making choices that lead to peace and well-being, not strife and suffering. The pursuit of wisdom, as Proverbs 4:7 emphasizes, is paramount for a flourishing life.

Linguistic Insights

• "Babbling" (KJV): The Hebrew word translated here as "babbling" (sîaḥ) can refer to incoherent, senseless, or drunken talk. It conveys the idea of speech that is not only nonsensical but also potentially quarrelsome or revealing of secrets, a common characteristic of impaired judgment.
• "Wounds without cause": This phrase points to injuries sustained not from external aggression, but from foolish behavior, accidents, or fights initiated by the intoxicated person themselves. The Hebrew implies wounds that are undeserved by others but brought upon oneself due to reckless actions.
• "Redness of eyes": A literal physical symptom of heavy drinking, indicating bloodshot or inflamed eyes, a clear visual sign of excess.

Practical Application

Proverbs 23:29 serves as a timeless warning, transcending its specific focus on wine to encompass any form of addiction or lack of self-control that leads to destructive behaviors. The principles remain highly relevant today:

• Recognizing Warning Signs: The verse encourages us to be aware of the signs of destructive habits—be it emotional distress, relational conflict, irrational speech, or physical harm—and to understand their root causes.
• The Importance of Moderation: It underscores the value of moderation and self-control in all aspects of life, reminding us that unchecked desires can lead to severe consequences. This is a theme echoed in the New Testament warning to "be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).
• Impact on Relationships and Well-being: The "contentions" and "wounds" highlight how personal choices profoundly impact not only the individual but also their relationships and overall well-being. True wisdom involves making choices that foster peace and health in all areas of life.