Proverbs 23:32

At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

At the last {H319} it biteth {H5391} like a serpent {H5175}, and stingeth {H6567} like an adder {H6848}.

but in the end, it bites like a serpent -yes, it strikes like a poisonous snake.

In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.

At the last it biteth like a serpent, And stingeth like an adder.

Proverbs 23:32 delivers a stark and memorable warning against the deceptive nature and ultimate consequences of excessive indulgence, particularly in wine and strong drink. It concludes a vivid description of the perils of drunkenness, emphasizing that what may initially seem appealing or harmless will eventually reveal its truly destructive character.

Context

This verse is the culmination of a powerful admonition found in Proverbs 23:29-35. The preceding verses describe the immediate woes, sorrow, contentions, and babbling associated with those who linger long at the wine. The imagery of eyes becoming red and a bizarre, distorted perception follows. Verse 32 then shifts to the long-term, insidious effects, using a potent metaphor to underscore the severity of the ultimate outcome. It warns against the allure of the cup, which looks attractive (Proverbs 23:31) but holds hidden dangers.

Key Themes

  • The Deceptive Nature of Sin: The proverb highlights how sin, especially addictive behaviors, often presents itself as pleasurable or a source of escape. However, its true, destructive nature is only revealed "at the last," after it has taken hold and inflicted significant damage. What promises delight delivers distress.
  • Insidious and Painful Consequences: The imagery of a serpent's bite and an adder's sting powerfully conveys the sudden, painful, and often fatal harm that results from persistent folly and lack of self-control. These are not minor inconveniences but profound, life-altering, or even life-ending repercussions affecting physical health, mental clarity, relationships, and spiritual well-being.
  • Wisdom vs. Folly: The passage contrasts the momentary gratification of indulgence with the lasting peace and well-being that come from choosing wisdom and discipline. It serves as a call to foresight, urging the reader to consider the ultimate end of a path before embarking on it, echoing the broader biblical emphasis on seeking wisdom as the principal thing.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words chosen for the venomous creatures are significant:

  • "Serpent" is nachash (נָחָשׁ), a general term for a snake, often associated with deception and danger, notably from the narrative in Genesis 3:1.
  • "Adder" is tsiphoni (צִפְעֹנִי), which refers to a specific, highly venomous snake, possibly a viper, known for its swift, unexpected, and deadly strike. The pairing of these two terms emphasizes not just danger, but a lethal and insidious threat that delivers its poison after a period of lurking or deception.
  • The verbs "biteth" (nashakh - נָשַׁךְ) and "stingeth" (yaphriysh - יַפְרִישׁ, from the root *parash* meaning to separate or distinguish, here implying a sudden, sharp injection) convey the piercing, painful, and debilitating injection of venom, leading to devastating effects. This vivid imagery underscores the hidden, yet ultimately devastating, impact of unchecked indulgence.

Practical Application

While Proverbs 23:32 is a direct warning against drunkenness, its principle extends far beyond alcohol to encompass any habit, addiction, or unchecked desire that promises temporary pleasure but delivers lasting harm. It serves as a timeless caution for all:

  • Exercise Foresight: Do not be swayed by immediate gratification without carefully considering the long-term repercussions. Many destructive paths begin subtly and innocently.
  • Recognize Subtle Dangers: Sin often disguises itself as harmless, beneficial, or even necessary before revealing its true, corrosive nature. It "bites at the last" after it has fully ensnared its victim and inflicted damage.
  • Cultivate Self-Control: The verse encourages a disciplined life, free from the enslavement of harmful desires. As the New Testament warns against works of the flesh like drunkenness, this proverb underscores the importance of guarding one's heart and mind against destructive influences.
  • Seek God's Wisdom: True wisdom involves understanding the end from the beginning and choosing paths that lead to life, health, and well-being, not destruction and regret. It is a call to live with discernment and a clear understanding of consequences.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 7:5

    And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

  • Exodus 7:6

    And Moses and Aaron did as the LORD commanded them, so did they.

  • Proverbs 5:11

    And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,

  • Ecclesiastes 10:8

    He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.

  • Jeremiah 5:31

    The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love [to have it] so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?

  • Isaiah 28:7

    But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble [in] judgment.

  • Isaiah 28:8

    For all tables are full of vomit [and] filthiness, [so that there is] no place [clean].

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