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Commentary on Proverbs 23 verses 29–35
Solomon here gives fair warning against the sin of drunkenness, to confirm what he had said, Pro 23:20.
I. He cautions all people to keep out of the way of temptations to this sin (Pro 23:31): Look not thou upon the wine when it is red. Red wine was in Canaan looked upon as the best wine, it is therefore called the blood of the grape. Critics judge of wine, among other indications, by the colour of it; some wine, they say, looks charmingly, looks so well that it even says, "Come and drink me;" it moves itself aright, goes down very smoothly, or perhaps the roughness of it is grateful. It is said of generous strong-bodied wine that it even causes the lips of those that are asleep to speak, Sol 7:9. But look not thou upon it. 1. "Be not ruled by sense, but by reason and religion. Covet not that which pleases the eye, in hopes that it will please the taste; but let thy serious thoughts correct the errors of thy senses and convince thee that that which seems delightful is really hurtful, and resolve against it accordingly. Let not the heart walk after the eye, for it is a deceitful guide." 2. "Be not too bold with the charms of this or any other sin; look not, lest thou lust, lest thou take the forbidden fruit." Note Those that would be kept from any sin must keep themselves from all the occasions and beginnings of it, and be afraid of coming within the reach of its allurements, lest they be overcome by them.
II. He shows the many pernicious consequences of the sin of drunkenness, for the enforcement of this caution. Take heed of the bait, for fear of the hook: At the last it bites, Pro 23:32. All sin will be bitterness in the end, and this sin particularly. It bites like a serpent, when the drunkard is made sick by his surfeit, thrown by it into a dropsy or some fatal disease, beggared and ruined in his estate, especially when his conscience is awakened and he cannot reflect upon it without horror and indignation at himself, but worst of all, at last, when the cup of drunkenness shall be turned into a cup of trembling, the cup of the Lord's wrath, the dregs of which he must be for ever drinking, and shall not have a drop of water to cool his inflamed tongue. To take off the force of the temptation that there is in the pleasure of the sin, foresee the punishment of it, and what it will at last end in if repentance prevent not. In its latter end it bites (so the word is); think therefore what will be in the end thereof. But the inspired writer chooses to specify those pernicious consequences of this sin which are present and sensible.
1.It embroils men in quarrels, makes them quarrel with others, and say and do that which gives others occasion to quarrel with them, Pro 23:29. He asks, Who hath woe? Who hath sorrow? Who has not, in this world? Many have woe and sorrow, and cannot help it; but drunkards wilfully create woe and sorrow to themselves. Those that have contentions have woe and sorrow; and drunkards are the fools whose lips enter into contention. When the wine is in the wit is out and the passions are up; and thence come drunken scuffles, and drunken frays, and drunken disputes over the cups; many a vexatious ruining law-suit has begun thus. There is babbling, quarrels in word and the exchanging of scurrilous language; yet it rests not there: you shall have wounds without cause, for causes are things which drunkards are in no capacity to judge of, and therefore they deal blows about without the least consideration why or wherefore, and must expect to be in like manner treated themselves. The wounds which men receive in defence of their country and its just rights are their honour; but wounds without cause, received in the service of their lusts, are marks of their infamy. Nay, drunkards wound themselves in a tender part, for they have redness of eyes, symptoms of an inward inflammation; their sight is weakened by it, and their looks are deformed. This comes, (1.) Of drinking long, tarrying long at the wine, and spending that time in drunken company which should be spent in useful business, or in sleep, which should fit for business, Pro 23:30. O the precious hours which thousands throw away thus, every one of which will be brought into the account at the great day! (2.) Of drinking that which is strong and intoxicating. They go up and down to seek wine that will please them; their great enquiry is, "Where is the best liquor?" They seek mixed wine, which is most palatable, but most heady, so willingly do they sacrifice their reason to please their palate!
2.It makes men impure and insolent, Pro 23:33. (1.) The eyes grow unruly and behold strange women to lust after them, and so let in adultery into the heart. Est Venus in vinis - Wine is oil to the fire of lust. Thy eyes shall behold strange things (so some read it); when men are drunk the house turns round with them, and every thing looks strange to them, so that them they cannot trust their own eyes. (2.) The tongue also grows unruly and talks extravagantly; by it the heart utters perverse things, things contrary to reason, religion, and common civility, which they would be ashamed to speak if they were sober. What ridiculous incoherent nonsense men will talk when they are drunk who at another time will speak admirably well and to the purpose!
3.It stupefies and besots men, Pro 23:34. When men are drunk they know not where they are nor what they say and do. (1.) Their heads are giddy, and when they lie down to sleep they are as if they were tossed by the rolling waves of the sea, or upon the top of a mast; hence they complain that their heads swim; their sleep is commonly unquiet and not refreshing, and their dreams are tumultuous. (2.) Their judgments are clouded, and they have no more steadiness and consistency than he that sleeps upon the top of a mast: they drink and forget the law (Pro 31:5): they err through wine (Isa 28:7), and think as extravagantly as they talk. (3.) They are heedless and fearless of danger, and senseless of the rebukes they are under either from God or man. They are in imminent danger of death, of damnation, lie as much exposed as if they slept upon the top of a mast, and yet are secure and sleep on. They fear no peril when the terrors of the Lord are laid before them; nay, they feel no pain when the judgments of God are actually upon them; they cry not when he binds them. Set a drunkard in the stocks, and he is not sensible of the punishment. "They have stricken me, and I was not sick; I felt it not: it made no impression at all upon me." Drunkenness turns me into stocks and stones; they are scarcely to be reckoned animals; they are dead while they live.
4.Worst of all, the heart is hardened in the sin, and the sinner, notwithstanding all these present mischiefs that attend it, obstinately persist in it, and hates to be reformed: When shall I awake? Much ado he has to shake off the chains of his drunken sleep; he can hardly get clear of the fumes of the wine, though he strives with them, that (being thirsty in the morning) he may return to it again. So perfectly lost is he to all sense of virtue and honour, and so wretchedly is his conscience seared, that he is not ashamed to say, I will seek it yet again. There is no hope; no, they have loved drunkards, and after them they will go, Jer 2:25. This is adding drunkenness to thirst, and following strong drink; those that do so may read their doom Deu 29:19, Deu 29:20, their woe Isa 5:11, and, if this be the end of the sin, with good reason were we directed to stop at the beginning of it: Look not upon the wine when it is red.
By the mention of redness of eyes—a sign of death—it is made clear that the wine-bibber is already dead to the Word and to reason. It declares his death to the Lord. If one forgets the motives that prompt him to seek the true life, he is dragged down to corruption. With good reason, then, the Educator, in his concern for our salvation, sternly forbids us, “Do not drink wine to drunkenness.”
“Who has woe? Who has sorrow?” For whom is there distress and darkness? For whom eternal doom? Is it not for the transgressors? For those who deny the faith? And what is the proof of their denial? Is it not that they have denied their own confession? And when and what did they confess? Belief in the Father and in the Son and in the Holy Ghost, when they renounced the devil and his angels and uttered those saving words. What fit title, then, has been discovered for them, for [these former] children of light to use? Are they not addressed as transgressors, as having violated the covenant of their salvation?
Since you are the presbyters and deacons of Christ, you ought always to be sober, both among yourselves and among others, so that you may be able to warn the unruly. Now the Scripture says, “The men in power are passionate. But let them not drink wine, lest by drinking they forget wisdom and are not able to judge aright.” Wherefore, [the bishops]27 and the presbyters and the deacons are those of authority in the church next to God Almighty and his beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We say this, not that they are not to drink at all, otherwise it would be to the reproach of what God has made for cheerfulness, but that they not be disordered with wine. For the Scripture does not say, “Do not drink wine”; but what says it? “Drink not wine to drunkenness.”
Understand this, brethren, that every drunkard who has made drinking a habit will have leprosy within, in his soul, because the soul of the drunkard is known to be such as the flesh of the leper is seen to be. Therefore one who wishes to free himself of the sin of drunkenness, where not only his soul is killed but even his body is weakened, should drink merely as much as suffices. If he is unwilling to observe this rule, he will be hateful to God and an object of reproach to people.
People who want to be like this try miserably to excuse themselves. They say, My friend will be unpleasant if I do not give him as much as he wants to drink when I invite him to a banquet. [But I say to you,] Do not have a friend who is willing to make you displeasing to God, for he is both his own enemy and yours. If you make yourself and someone else intoxicated, you will have a man as your friend but God as an enemy.
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SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:31 serves as a profound and preventative warning against the deceptive initial allure of intoxicating wine, urging the wise to avoid even gazing upon it when it appears most appealing. This verse, strategically placed within a broader discourse on the destructive consequences of drunkenness, highlights the insidious nature of temptation. It emphasizes that sin often presents itself as beautiful, harmless, and inviting before revealing its bitter, ruinous, and enslaving effects. The proverb thus establishes a foundational principle for cultivating self-control and foresight, advocating for the avoidance of the very first step toward potential folly and moral compromise.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:31 masterfully employs several potent Literary Devices to convey its urgent warning. The most prominent is Imagery, which appeals directly to the senses, vividly describing the wine as "red" and giving "his colour in the cup." This rich visual description immediately evokes the alluring appearance of wine, making the temptation relatable and concretely understood by the reader. Furthermore, the phrase "when it moveth itself aright" utilizes striking Personification, attributing a deceptive, almost intentional, movement and a sense of deceptive rectitude to the wine. This suggests that the wine itself seems to beckon, shimmer, or present itself in a pleasing and seemingly harmless manner, as if it possesses a will to entice. This personification powerfully underscores the cunning and insidious nature of temptation, which often appears inviting, agreeable, and even "right" before revealing its true, destructive character. The verse also functions as a direct Prohibition, beginning with the imperative "Look not thou," thereby establishing a clear boundary and a call to proactive avoidance and disciplined vigilance.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 23:31 offers profound theological insight into the nature of temptation and the indispensable role of preventative wisdom in the life of faith. Theologically, it teaches that sin's initial allure is almost always deceptive, presenting itself as beautiful, desirable, and "right" before it reveals its true, destructive, and enslaving consequences. It underscores the biblical principle that true wisdom involves not merely avoiding the overt act of sin, but fundamentally guarding the heart and mind from the initial seeds of temptation, which often begin with the gaze and the fostering of desire. This proactive stance is essential for maintaining spiritual purity and moral integrity, recognizing that the battle against sin is frequently won or lost at the point of initial engagement with temptation. The proverb calls believers to cultivate discernment, rigorous self-control, and a disciplined gaze, understanding that what appears good and appealing to the eye can ultimately lead to profound spiritual, physical, and relational harm.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:31 provides timeless wisdom that transcends the specific context of wine, offering a universal principle for navigating temptation in every area of life. It challenges us to critically examine the subtle and often beautiful ways temptation enters our modern world, frequently disguised as something appealing, harmless, or even beneficial. The core principle is clear and compelling: true wisdom involves proactive avoidance and cutting off temptation at its root, rather than merely attempting to manage or react to its full-blown, destructive consequences. We are called to recognize the "redness," the "color," and the "moving aright" of temptations in our contemporary society—whether they manifest as the alluring glow of excessive screen time, the deceptive promise of illicit relationships, the glittering appeal of material possessions and consumerism, the smooth flow of dishonest gain, or the enticing whispers of pride and self-sufficiency. By training ourselves not to "look," not to linger, and not to entertain the initial enticement, we cultivate profound spiritual discipline, fortify our hearts against destructive paths, and protect our minds from corrupting influences. This proverb encourages a lifestyle of vigilance, self-control, and foresight, empowering us to make choices that honor God, promote genuine flourishing, and lead to lasting peace, rather than succumbing to immediate gratification that promises pleasure but ultimately delivers pain and regret.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Proverbs warn against merely 'looking' at wine, rather than just drinking it?
Answer: The proverb issues a warning against merely "looking" at wine because it profoundly understands the insidious nature of temptation, which almost invariably begins with the eyes and the mind. The act of "looking," gazing, or fixating on something alluring is the critical first step towards cultivating desire, which then often leads to action. By prohibiting even the initial gaze, the proverb emphasizes a proactive, preventative approach to wisdom and self-control. It teaches that true discipline involves cutting off temptation at its very root, before it has a chance to take hold, develop into a strong desire, and ultimately lead to destructive behavior. This principle is not limited to wine but applies universally to any area where temptation presents itself deceptively, appearing "aright" or appealing before revealing its harmful consequences, as further explained by the vivid imagery of the wine biting like a serpent in Proverbs 23:32-35. It's a call to guard the gateways of the heart.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:31, with its profound warning against the deceptive allure of wine and the call to avert one's gaze from temptation, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament wisdom literature warns against the intoxicating and destructive nature of earthly "wine"—representing worldly pleasures and temptations that promise satisfaction but deliver ruin—Christ introduces a "new wine" of the Kingdom, a spiritual reality that truly satisfies, transforms, and brings abundant life. Jesus himself perfectly embodied the principle of "looking not" upon sin's allure; He was "tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15), demonstrating unparalleled self-control and an unwavering gaze fixed on the will of His Father, never yielding to the deceptive "aright" of worldly enticements. He teaches His followers to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33), redirecting our gaze from fleeting earthly desires to eternal divine realities. Furthermore, it is the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends, who empowers believers with the fruit of self-control (Galatians 5:23), enabling them to resist the deceptive pull of sin that the proverb so vividly describes. Instead of the sorrow, woe, and ultimate destruction promised by the "red wine" of this world, Christ offers true joy, peace, and eternal life (John 10:10), a spiritual "wine" that never leads to regret but to unending communion with God and a life lived in His liberating truth.