Proverbs 23:30

KJV

They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

KJV (with Strong's)

They that tarry long {H309} at the wine {H3196}; they that go {H935} to seek {H2713} mixed wine {H4469}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those who spend their time over wine, those always trying out mixed drinks.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks.

American Standard Version

They that tarry long at the wine; They that go to seek out mixed wine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:30 vividly describes individuals consumed by the pursuit and consumption of alcohol, specifically highlighting those who linger excessively over wine and actively seek out more potent, mixed beverages. This verse serves as a foundational warning within a broader passage detailing the destructive physical, social, and spiritual consequences of intemperance, underscoring the insidious nature of addiction and the profound lack of self-control inherent in such behavior.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 23:30 is an integral part of a powerful and graphic warning against drunkenness found in [Proverbs 23:29-35](/proverbs/23-29 "Proverbs 23:29-35 - The Woes of Drunkenness"). It directly answers the rhetorical questions posed in [Proverbs 23:29](/proverbs/23-29 "Proverbs 23:29 - Who has woe?"), which asks, "Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has babbling? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes?" The implied answer, revealed in verse 30 and elaborated upon in the subsequent verses, is precisely those who "tarry long at the wine" and "go to seek mixed wine." This passage is strategically placed within a larger section of the book that offers practical wisdom for daily living, frequently contrasting the path of wisdom and self-control with the destructive course of folly and indulgence, as seen in earlier warnings against gluttony and associating with "winebibbers" in [Proverbs 23:20-21](/proverbs/23-20 "Proverbs 23:20-21 - Warning Against Gluttony and Drunkenness").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wine was a common beverage, often diluted with water, and its moderate consumption was not inherently condemned. However, the Old Testament consistently warns against its abuse. "Mixed wine" (H4469, *mamçâk*) in this context likely refers to wine fortified with spices or other ingredients to increase its intoxicating effect, or perhaps a stronger, unadulterated vintage. This detail points to a deliberate pursuit of heightened intoxication, moving beyond casual drinking to a quest for deeper inebriation. The culture understood the social and physical ramifications of drunkenness, which often led to public shame, violence, and neglect of responsibilities. The wisdom literature, including [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"), frequently addressed practical ethics and social order, making warnings against intemperance highly relevant to maintaining a stable and righteous community.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **self-control vs. indulgence**. The individuals described lack the discipline to moderate their desires, leading them down a path of excess. Secondly, it highlights the **insidious nature of addiction**, showing how prolonged exposure ("tarry long") and active pursuit ("go to seek") lead to deeper entanglement. Thirdly, it serves as a stark warning about **consequences**, setting the stage for the graphic descriptions of physical harm, social disgrace, and spiritual dullness that follow in [Proverbs 23:31-35](/proverbs/23-31 "Proverbs 23:31-35 - The Dire Consequences of Drunkenness"). Ultimately, this verse reinforces the wisdom tradition's emphasis on choosing the path of righteousness and prudence over the destructive allure of folly and excess, a choice foundational to living a life pleasing to God and beneficial to oneself and society, as emphasized throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tarry long (Hebrew, _ʼâchar'_):** H309. This primitive root means to loiter, to be behind, or by implication, to procrastinate, delay, or stay longer. In the context of Proverbs 23:30, it signifies a deliberate and prolonged lingering at the wine, indicating a habitual pattern of excessive consumption rather than a fleeting moment of indulgence. It speaks to a lack of discipline and an unwillingness to depart from the intoxicating substance.
* **seek (Hebrew, _châqar'_):** H2713. This primitive root means to penetrate, to examine intimately, to find out, or to search out. When applied to "mixed wine," it conveys an active, intentional, and perhaps even investigative pursuit of stronger or more potent alcoholic beverages. It's not accidental consumption but a deliberate quest for deeper inebriation, suggesting a growing dependency or a desire for more intense effects.
* **mixed wine (Hebrew, _mamçâk'_):** H4469. Derived from a root meaning "to mix," this term specifically refers to wine that has been mingled with water or spices. While sometimes done to improve flavor, in this context, especially when "sought," it implies a mixture intended to increase the wine's intoxicating properties or to create a more potent brew. This highlights the deliberate intent of those described to achieve a greater level of drunkenness, moving beyond simple wine to a more concentrated form of intoxication.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They that tarry long at the wine":** This clause describes individuals who spend an excessive amount of time engaged in drinking. The phrase "tarry long" (from H309, *ʼâchar*) suggests a lingering, a delay in leaving the presence of wine, indicating a habitual and prolonged indulgence rather than a casual or moderate consumption. It paints a picture of someone who is unwilling or unable to pull themselves away from the intoxicating beverage, implying a loss of self-control and a deepening entanglement.
* **"they that go to seek mixed wine":** This second clause further intensifies the description, portraying individuals who actively and intentionally pursue stronger forms of alcohol. The phrase "go to seek" (using H935, *bôwʼ*, and H2713, *châqar*) implies a deliberate quest or investigation for "mixed wine" (H4469, *mamçâk*), which was often wine fortified with spices or other ingredients to enhance its intoxicating effect. This signifies a desire for deeper inebriation, moving beyond simple consumption to a compulsive pursuit of heightened intoxication, indicative of a developing addiction or a profound desire for escape.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:30 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful warning. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("they that go to seek mixed wine") reiterates and intensifies the idea presented in the first clause ("They that tarry long at the wine"). Both phrases describe the same type of person and behavior, reinforcing the message of excessive and intentional indulgence in alcohol. The verse also uses **Metonymy**, where "wine" stands in for the entire experience and consequences of drunkenness. By focusing on the substance, the text implicitly refers to the associated behaviors, states of mind, and destructive outcomes. Furthermore, there is an element of **Vivid Imagery**, as the phrases evoke a clear and disturbing picture of individuals consumed by their pursuit of intoxication, setting the stage for the graphic descriptions of their woes in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 23:30 is not merely a social commentary but a profound theological statement on the nature of wisdom, self-control, and the consequences of sin. It reveals that true wisdom involves disciplined living and avoiding paths that lead to destruction, highlighting the spiritual danger of yielding to uncontrolled appetites. The pursuit of intoxication, as described here, represents a departure from the Spirit-filled life and a surrender to fleshly desires, ultimately hindering one's relationship with God and others. This warning is echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing sobriety and self-control as virtues essential for godly living, recognizing that excess in any form can enslave and corrupt.

* [Isaiah 5:11](/isaiah/5-11 "Isaiah 5:11 - Woe to those who rise early for strong drink")
* [Romans 13:13](/romans/13-13 "Romans 13:13 - Walk properly, not in orgies and drunkenness")
* [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be not drunk with wine, but filled with the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:30 offers a timeless and piercing indictment of intemperance, serving as a vital call to self-examination for all believers. It challenges us to consider not only outright drunkenness but also the subtle ways we might "tarry long" or "seek" after anything that promises temporary escape or pleasure at the expense of true wisdom, spiritual vitality, or responsible living. This includes not only alcohol but also other forms of excess—whether in food, entertainment, digital consumption, or even work—that can lead to addiction, neglect of duties, and a dulling of our spiritual senses. The verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of discipline, moderation, and discernment, recognizing that true freedom is found not in unchecked indulgence but in the Spirit-empowered ability to control our appetites and pursue what is truly good and life-giving. It reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, to be honored and stewarded wisely, and that our pursuit should be for righteousness and spiritual growth, not for fleeting sensory gratification.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "tarrying long" or "seeking" something to excess, rather than exercising self-control?**
* **How does the pursuit of temporary pleasure or escape hinder my spiritual growth and relationship with God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater discipline and moderation in my daily habits?**
* **How can I better steward my body and time as a temple of the Holy Spirit, as encouraged by this proverb?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse condemn all alcohol consumption?**

Answer: Proverbs 23:30, like other passages in the Bible, warns specifically against the *abuse* of alcohol, not necessarily its moderate consumption. The emphasis here is on "tarrying long" and "seeking mixed wine," which describe excessive, prolonged, and intentional pursuit of intoxication. While the Bible acknowledges wine as a part of life and even for medicinal purposes (e.g., [1 Timothy 5:23](/1_timothy/5-23 "1 Timothy 5:23 - Paul's advice to Timothy")), it consistently condemns drunkenness and gluttony as sins that lead to ruin and disqualify one from leadership (e.g., [Proverbs 23:21](/proverbs/23-21 "Proverbs 23:21 - Warning against gluttony and winebibbers"), [Galatians 5:21](/galatians/5-21 "Galatians 5:21 - Works of the flesh, including drunkenness")). The focus is on the dangerous path of addiction and the loss of self-control, rather than a blanket prohibition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:30, with its stark warning against the destructive nature of intemperance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Christ. The individuals described in this proverb are enslaved by their appetites, seeking satisfaction in substances that ultimately bring woe and sorrow. This bondage to sin and self-destructive desires is precisely what Jesus came to set us free from. He is the one who offers true freedom from all forms of addiction and excess, not through mere willpower, but through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Where the "tarrying long" and "seeking mixed wine" lead to physical and spiritual degradation, Christ calls us to be "filled with the Spirit" ([Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be filled with the Spirit")), which leads to self-control, joy, peace, and righteousness ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")). Jesus himself demonstrated perfect self-control and offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), including the sin of intemperance. Through His atoning work, we are given the power to overcome the desires of the flesh and to live lives of sobriety and devotion, reflecting the wisdom and character of God, which is truly found in [Christ, who is the wisdom of God](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the power and wisdom of God").

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

Ephesians 5:18

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

Isaiah 5:11

Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, [that] they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, [till] wine inflame them!

Proverbs 20:1

¶ Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Proverbs 9:2

She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

Psalms 75:8

For in the hand of the LORD [there is] a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring [them] out, [and] drink [them].

Amos 6:6

That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

Genesis 9:21

And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.