Proverbs 23:33

KJV

Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thine eyes {H5869} shall behold {H7200} strange women {H2114}, and thine heart {H3820} shall utter {H1696} perverse things {H8419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your eyes will see peculiar things, your mind will utter nonsense.

Berean Standard Bible

Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities.

American Standard Version

Thine eyes shall behold strange things, And thy heart shall utter perverse things.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:33 serves as a stark warning within the broader discourse on the dangers of excessive indulgence, particularly drunkenness. It graphically depicts the profound moral and intellectual degradation that ensues when one loses self-control, leading to compromised judgment, susceptibility to illicit desires, and the corruption of speech. This verse underscores the deep connection between one's physical state, mental faculties, and moral integrity, illustrating how unchecked appetites can lead to spiritual and social ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 23:33 is part of a larger section (Proverbs 23:29-35) that specifically addresses the "woes" of drunkenness. The preceding verses (29-32) paint a vivid picture of the physical and social consequences: quarrels, wounds, blurred vision, and the deceptive allure of wine. Verse 33 moves beyond the physical to the moral and psychological degradation, serving as a direct consequence of the "tarrying long at the wine" mentioned in [Proverbs 23:30](/proverbs/23-30 "Proverbs 23:30 - The Dangers of Lingering Over Wine"). The subsequent verses (34-35) continue this theme, describing the stupor and inability to feel pain or remember events, reinforcing the cycle of addiction and the profound loss of self-awareness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wine was a common beverage, but drunkenness was consistently condemned as a vice. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, frequently warns against it, recognizing its destructive impact on individuals, families, and society. "Strange women" (Hebrew: *zarot*) in this context refers not merely to foreign women but to women who are morally "alien" or "estranged" from covenantal purity, typically prostitutes or adulteresses. Society in ancient Israel placed a high value on sexual purity and marital fidelity, and engaging with such women was a severe transgression, often leading to financial ruin, social disgrace, and spiritual defilement. The public nature of speech also meant that "perverse things" uttered in intoxication would bring significant shame and damage to one's reputation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Proverbs:
* **The Dangers of Intemperance:** It highlights the devastating consequences of lacking self-control, particularly regarding alcohol, demonstrating how physical indulgence leads to moral decay. This aligns with the broader call for temperance found throughout the book, as seen in warnings against gluttony and excessive drinking in [Proverbs 23:20-21](/proverbs/23-20 "Proverbs 23:20-21 - Warnings Against Gluttony and Drunkenness").
* **The Corrupting Power of Sin:** The progression from physical intoxication to moral compromise ("strange women") and corrupted speech ("perverse things") illustrates how one sin can open the door to others, demonstrating sin's pervasive and degrading nature. This echoes the warnings against the slippery slope of folly and wickedness throughout [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life").
* **The Importance of Discernment and Purity:** The verse implicitly calls for vigilance over one's eyes and heart, emphasizing that true wisdom involves guarding one's senses and inner life from corrupting influences. This resonates with the exhortation to [guard your heart](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart") above all else, for it is the wellspring of life, and the source from which all actions and words flow.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_ H5869):** This word refers to the physical organ of sight, but also figuratively to perception, understanding, and even the source of a fountain. In this context, it signifies the gateway through which external stimuli enter the mind and influence the heart. The act of "beholding" with the eyes here is not passive, but an active engagement that reflects compromised moral discernment and a susceptibility to temptation.
* **Strange Women (Hebrew, _zûwr'_ H2114):** Derived from a root meaning "to turn aside," this term signifies someone who is a "foreigner," "alien," or "estranged." In this context, it specifically refers to women who are morally outside the bounds of covenantal purity, often associated with prostitution or adultery. The word implies a deviation from what is proper or godly, highlighting the illicit and dangerous nature of the encounters that arise from diminished self-control.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_ H3820):** This term refers to the innermost being of a person—the seat of intellect, emotions, will, and moral character. In biblical thought, the heart is the core of one's personality and the source of all intentions and actions. When the heart "utters perverse things," it indicates that the inner moral compass has been corrupted, leading to uninhibited and depraved speech.
* **Utter (Hebrew, _dâbar'_ H1696):** While often meaning "to speak" or "to arrange," in this context, it implies a forceful or uninhibited declaration. The heart, as the seat of intellect and will, is depicted as spontaneously producing "perverse things" due to the lack of control. This highlights how inner corruption, exacerbated by intoxication, manifests outwardly through uncontrolled and morally distorted speech.
* **Perverse Things (Hebrew, _tahpukâh'_ H8419):** This noun signifies "perversity," "fraud," or "twistedness." It describes speech that is morally distorted, contrary to truth, or indicative of a depraved mind. Under the influence of alcohol, the heart's true, corrupted state is revealed through words that are inappropriate, vulgar, or even blasphemous, reflecting a complete reversal of sound judgment and righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thine eyes shall behold strange women":** This clause describes the visual temptation and compromised discernment that accompanies intoxication. The "eyes" (H5869, _ʻayin_) are the gateway to the soul, and here they are depicted as being drawn to "strange women" (H2114, _zûwr_), symbolizing illicit sexual encounters or morally corrupting influences. The verb "behold" (H7200, _râʼâh_) suggests more than a passive glance; it implies a fixation or dwelling upon that which is forbidden, indicating a profound loss of moral restraint and an embrace of lustful desires.
* **"and thine heart shall utter perverse things":** This second clause reveals the internal and verbal corruption that flows from the intoxicated state. The "heart" (H3820, _lêb_), representing the seat of one's thoughts, will, and moral compass, is no longer controlled. Instead, it "utters" (H1696, _dâbar_) or produces "perverse things" (H8419, _tahpukâh_), meaning speech that is twisted, morally depraved, or contrary to righteousness. This highlights how intoxication removes inhibitions, allowing corrupt thoughts and desires to manifest as inappropriate, vulgar, or even blasphemous words, revealing the true state of a compromised inner being.

#### Literary Devices
This verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its warning. **Metonymy** is evident in the use of "eyes" and "heart" to represent the whole person's faculties and moral core, illustrating how the entire being is affected by unchecked indulgence. The "strange women" serve as a powerful **symbol** not only for literal prostitutes or adulteresses but also for any alluring temptation that leads one astray from wisdom and righteousness. The phrase "perverse things" is a form of **hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme moral degradation of speech that results from intoxication, suggesting words that are utterly twisted and contrary to truth. Furthermore, the verse uses **cause and effect** to clearly link the state of intoxication (implied from the preceding verses) to the subsequent moral and verbal corruption, creating a stark warning about the inevitable consequences of folly. The vivid imagery used paints a clear picture of moral decay.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 23:33 deeply underscores the biblical principle that the state of one's inner being directly impacts outward behavior and speech. It illustrates how the loss of self-control, particularly through intoxication, compromises discernment and opens the door to grave moral transgressions. Theologically, this verse speaks to the sanctity of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and the call to purity in thought, word, and deed. It highlights the pervasive nature of sin, demonstrating how one indulgence can lead to a cascade of moral failures, affecting one's perception, desires, and communication. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on sobriety, vigilance, and guarding the heart as the wellspring of life, recognizing that true wisdom involves disciplined living that honors God.

* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart")
* [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18 "Matthew 15:18-19 - Out of the Heart")
* [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:33 serves as a timeless and multifaceted warning that extends far beyond the literal consumption of alcohol. It challenges us to consider any influence or indulgence that dulls our spiritual senses, compromises our judgment, and leads us into moral compromise. In a world saturated with tempting images and narratives, the "strange women" can symbolize not only literal illicit relationships but also any form of media, entertainment, or digital content that promotes impurity, lust, or a departure from God's standards. Similarly, "perverse things" uttered by the heart can encompass not just drunken ramblings but also the careless, critical, or corrupt speech that arises when our minds are not disciplined by God's truth. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of sobriety—not just physical, but mental and spiritual—constantly guarding our eyes from what is unholy and our hearts from what is impure, knowing that what we consume with our senses profoundly shapes our inner world and outward expression. It compels us to seek wisdom and self-control, allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us to live lives of purity and integrity, reflecting God's character in every aspect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What influences or indulgences in my life might be dulling my spiritual discernment or leading my eyes and heart astray?**
* **How does my speech reflect the condition of my heart, and what steps can I take to ensure my words are edifying and pure?**
* **In what ways am I actively guarding my eyes and mind from unholy or corrupting content in today's culture?**

### FAQ
**Does "strange women" only refer to prostitutes or adulteresses?**

Answer: While the primary meaning of "strange women" (Hebrew: *zarot*) in Proverbs often refers to prostitutes or adulteresses (e.g., [Proverbs 7:5](/proverbs/7-5 "Proverbs 7:5 - The Allure of the Adulteress")), the broader implication in Proverbs 23:33 extends to any woman or influence that is "alien" or "estranged" from God's covenantal and moral standards. This includes any relationship or pursuit that leads one away from purity, fidelity, and wisdom. In a contemporary application, it can symbolize any alluring temptation or corrupting influence that draws one's eyes and desires towards sin, whether it be illicit relationships, pornography, or other forms of moral compromise. The warning is against anything that distorts one's perception and leads to spiritual and moral degradation.

**How does this verse relate to modern issues of addiction and media consumption?**

Answer: Proverbs 23:33 offers profound relevance to modern issues. The principle of impaired judgment leading to moral compromise is directly applicable to various forms of addiction, where substances or behaviors dull one's senses and lead to destructive choices. Furthermore, in the digital age, the "eyes beholding strange women" can be powerfully reinterpreted as the consumption of explicit or morally corrupting media, which desensitizes individuals and cultivates unholy desires. The "perverse things" uttered by the heart can manifest as online hate speech, vulgar language, or the uninhibited expression of depraved thoughts that are often amplified in anonymous digital spaces. The verse thus serves as a timeless call to vigilance, urging us to guard our senses and minds from all corrupting influences, recognizing that what we allow ourselves to see and consume directly impacts our inner purity and outward conduct. It emphasizes the need for self-control and discernment in navigating the complexities of contemporary culture, echoing the call to [be sober-minded](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober-Minded") and vigilant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:33, with its stark warning against the moral and verbal degradation stemming from compromised judgment, finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Christ. While the verse highlights humanity's propensity for sin when left to its own devices and desires, Jesus Christ offers liberation from this very bondage. He is the embodiment of perfect wisdom and self-control, never succumbing to the temptations that lead to "strange women" or "perverse things." Instead, His eyes were always fixed on the Father's will, and His heart uttered only truth and grace, even when facing immense pressure (e.g., [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")). For those who are in Christ, the Holy Spirit empowers them to overcome the very tendencies described in Proverbs 23:33. The New Covenant promises a new heart and a new spirit (e.g., [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), enabling believers to "put off the old self" and "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" ([Ephesians 4:22-24](/ephesians/4-22 "Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting on the New Self")). Through Christ, believers are called to sobriety and vigilance, not merely as an act of willpower, but as a fruit of the Spirit, allowing their eyes to be fixed on Him, the author and perfecter of faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")), and their hearts to utter words that build up and give grace to those who hear ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")). Thus, what Proverbs warns against, Christ empowers us to overcome, transforming our desires and our speech to reflect His purity and wisdom.

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

Jude 1:12

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds [they are] without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

Jude 1:13

Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

Daniel 5:4

They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

Genesis 19:32

Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

Genesis 19:38

And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same [is] the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

Hosea 7:5

In the day of our king the princes have made [him] sick with bottles of wine; he stretched out his hand with scorners.

Psalms 69:12

They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I [was] the song of the drunkards.