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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.
Your eyes will see strange women, etc. It is a customary and almost natural vice to follow feminine lust after the poison of drunkenness spreads in the heart, accompanied by wickedness and foulness of words.
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SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:33 delivers a profound warning against the moral and intellectual degradation that accompanies excessive indulgence, particularly drunkenness, as part of a larger discourse on self-control. It vividly portrays how a compromised state of mind leads to distorted perception, susceptibility to illicit desires, and the corruption of speech. This verse underscores the intricate connection between one's physical condition, mental faculties, and moral integrity, illustrating how unchecked appetites can inevitably result in spiritual and social ruin, revealing the deep-seated corruption of the heart.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:33 employs several potent literary devices to convey its stark warning. Metonymy is powerfully evident in the use of "eyes" and "heart" to represent the entire person's faculties, perceptions, and moral core, illustrating how the whole being is profoundly affected by unchecked indulgence. The "strange women" function as a compelling symbol, not merely for literal prostitutes or adulteresses, but for any alluring temptation or moral deviation that entices one away from wisdom, purity, and covenantal faithfulness. The phrase "perverse things" is a form of hyperbole, emphasizing the extreme moral degradation and twistedness of speech that results from intoxication, suggesting words that are utterly contrary to truth, righteousness, and sound judgment. Furthermore, the verse employs a clear cause and effect relationship, implicitly linking the state of intoxication (derived from the preceding verses) to the subsequent moral and verbal corruption, thereby creating a stark and inescapable warning about the inevitable consequences of folly and intemperance. The vivid imagery used throughout the passage paints a clear and disturbing picture of moral decay.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 23:33 profoundly underscores the biblical principle that the condition of one's inner being directly and inevitably impacts outward behavior and speech. It illustrates how the loss of self-control, particularly through the impairment caused by intoxication, compromises discernment and opens the door to grave moral transgressions. Theologically, this verse speaks to the sanctity of the human person, created in God's image, and the call to maintain purity in thought, word, and deed, recognizing the body as a potential temple of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the pervasive and cascading nature of sin, demonstrating how one indulgence can lead to a series of moral failures, affecting one's perception, desires, and communication. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on sobriety, vigilance, and the critical importance of guarding the heart as the wellspring of life, recognizing that true wisdom involves disciplined living that honors God and reflects His character.
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 critically examine any influence, indulgence, or habit in our lives 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 righteous standards. Similarly, "perverse things" uttered by the heart can encompass not just drunken ramblings but also the careless, critical, cynical, or corrupt speech that arises when our minds are not disciplined by God's truth and our hearts are not pure. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of profound sobriety—not merely physical, but mental, emotional, 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 actively 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 of our being and interaction.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "strange women" only refer to prostitutes or adulteresses in this context?
Answer: While the primary and most direct meaning of "strange women" (Hebrew: zarot) in Proverbs often refers to prostitutes or adulteresses (e.g., Proverbs 7:5), the broader implication in Proverbs 23:33 extends beyond this narrow definition. It encompasses any woman or influence that is "alien" or "estranged" from God's covenantal and moral standards. This includes any relationship, pursuit, or entity that leads one away from purity, marital fidelity, and divine wisdom. In a contemporary application, this symbolic language can represent any alluring temptation or corrupting influence that draws one's eyes and desires towards sin, whether it be illicit relationships, pornography, addictive behaviors, or other forms of moral compromise that distort perception and lead to spiritual and moral degradation. The warning is against anything that fundamentally deviates from God's design for human flourishing.
How does this verse relate to modern issues of addiction and media consumption?
Answer: Proverbs 23:33 offers profound and enduring relevance to modern issues, particularly concerning addiction and media consumption. The core principle of impaired judgment leading to moral compromise is directly applicable to various forms of addiction, where substances or compulsive behaviors dull one's senses, erode self-control, and lead to destructive choices. Furthermore, in the digital age, the phrase "eyes shall behold strange women" can be powerfully reinterpreted as the pervasive consumption of explicit, violent, or morally corrupting media. Such consumption can desensitize individuals, cultivate unholy desires, and normalize behaviors contrary to God's will. Similarly, the "perverse things" uttered by the heart can manifest as online hate speech, vulgar language, the spread of misinformation, 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 critical need for self-control, discernment, and spiritual sobriety in navigating the complexities and temptations of contemporary culture, echoing the New Testament's call to be sober-minded and watchful.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:33, with its stark warning against the moral and verbal degradation stemming from compromised judgment and unchecked indulgence, finds its ultimate fulfillment and redemptive solution in Jesus Christ. While the verse highlights humanity's inherent propensity for sin and self-destruction when left to its own devices and desires, Jesus Christ offers profound liberation from this very bondage. He is the perfect embodiment of divine wisdom, absolute purity, and unwavering 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, grace, and life-giving words, even when facing immense pressure and opposition (e.g., John 8:29). For those who are united with Christ through faith, the Holy Spirit empowers them to overcome the very tendencies described in Proverbs 23:33. The New Covenant promises a radical transformation: a new heart and a new spirit (e.g., Ezekiel 36:26-27), enabling believers to "put off the old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24). Through Christ, believers are called to spiritual sobriety and vigilance, not merely as an act of willpower, but as a supernatural fruit of the Spirit, allowing their eyes to be fixed on Him, "the author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), and their hearts to utter words that build up, give grace to those who hear, and reflect the very character of God (Ephesians 4:29). Thus, what Proverbs warns against as a consequence of folly, Christ empowers us to overcome and transcend, transforming our desires, perceptions, and speech to reflect His purity, wisdom, and redemptive power.