Proverbs 23:34

KJV

Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down {H7901} in the midst {H3820} of the sea {H3220}, or as he that lieth {H7901} upon the top {H7218} of a mast {H2260}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will feel as if lying on the waves of the sea or sprawled on top of the mast -

Berean Standard Bible

You will be like one sleeping on the high seas or lying on the top of a mast:

American Standard Version

Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, Or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 23:34 vividly portrays the perilous and disorienting state of one habitually given to excessive drinking, likening their condition to someone adrift in the open sea or precariously perched atop a ship's mast. This striking imagery serves as a potent warning, encapsulating the profound vulnerability, loss of control, and imminent danger that accompany intoxication, culminating the preceding verses' detailed description of the woes and sorrows of the drunkard.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 23:34 is the penultimate verse in a focused section (Proverbs 23:29-35) dedicated entirely to the dangers and consequences of drunkenness. This passage begins by posing rhetorical questions about who experiences "woe," "sorrow," "contentions," "babbling," and "wounds without cause," immediately identifying the culprit as "those who tarry long at the wine" ([Proverbs 23:29-30](/proverbs/23-29 "Proverbs 23:29-30 - The Woes of Drunkenness")). The description escalates from the immediate physical and social effects to the insidious, long-term spiritual and mental degradation. Verse 32 warns that "at the last it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder," while verse 33 depicts distorted perceptions ("Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart utter perverse things"). Verse 34 then provides two powerful similes illustrating the extreme vulnerability and disorientation, leading into verse 35, which describes the drunkard's oblivious state even after being struck, highlighting their complete lack of awareness and persistent desire for more drink.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wine was a common beverage, often diluted with water and consumed as part of daily life and celebrations. However, the wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, consistently condemned drunkenness as a serious vice leading to poverty, shame, violence, and spiritual ruin. The imagery of the sea and ships would have been familiar, as Israel was situated near the Mediterranean coast, and maritime trade was known. A ship's mast, especially in a storm, represented an extremely unstable and dangerous position, far from the safety of solid ground. The "midst of the sea" conveyed a sense of being utterly exposed, without anchor or direction, at the mercy of overwhelming forces. This context underscores that the proverb is not merely a social observation but a moral and theological warning against a destructive lifestyle choice that undermines personal self-control and societal order.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Consequences of Folly**, demonstrating how a lack of self-control and indulgence in destructive habits inevitably leads to perilous outcomes, contrasting sharply with the stability offered by wisdom ([Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Loss of Control and Vulnerability**, illustrating how intoxication strips an individual of their agency, leaving them exposed to danger and unable to navigate life's challenges effectively, a stark contrast to the self-mastery advocated elsewhere ([Proverbs 16:32](/proverbs/16-32 "Proverbs 16:32 - Self-Control is Better Than Power")). Thirdly, the imagery reinforces the theme of **Disorientation and Delusion**, where perception is skewed, and reality is distorted, leading to poor judgment and a dangerous unawareness of one's precarious situation, as also hinted at in [Proverbs 23:33](/proverbs/23-33 "Proverbs 23:33 - Distorted Perceptions of Drunkenness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shâkab (Hebrew, _shâkab'_):** From H7901, meaning "to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)." In this context, it vividly describes a state of utter prostration, not of restful sleep, but of being knocked down or rendered helpless, unable to stand or control one's body. It conveys vulnerability and a lack of agency, whether from unconsciousness or extreme instability.
* **yâm (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** From H3220, meaning "a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water." The use of "sea" here evokes an environment of vastness, unpredictability, and overwhelming power, where a person without a vessel or support is completely at the mercy of the elements. It symbolizes an unbounded, dangerous, and uncontrollable situation.
* **chibbêl (Hebrew, _chibbêl'_):** From H2260, meaning "a mast." This word, derived from a root suggesting "furnished with ropes," refers specifically to the central pole of a ship. Lying on top of a mast, especially in the "midst of the sea," paints a picture of extreme precariousness and instability, high above any solid footing, with a great distance to fall, symbolizing imminent danger and a complete lack of security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea,"**: This clause employs a powerful simile, comparing the drunkard's state to someone lying helpless in the middle of the ocean. The "midst of the sea" (Hebrew `lêb` for "midst" or "heart," and `yâm` for "sea") signifies a place of ultimate vulnerability, far from shore, without any means of rescue or stability. It conveys a sense of being completely adrift, overwhelmed by forces beyond one's control, and facing imminent drowning or being swept away. This imagery encapsulates the profound loss of self-control, direction, and safety experienced by one under the influence of alcohol.
* **"or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast."**: This second simile intensifies the warning, presenting an alternative, equally perilous scenario. Lying "upon the top" (Hebrew `rôʼsh` for "head" or "top") of a ship's "mast" (Hebrew `chibbêl`) illustrates an extreme state of physical instability and danger. A mast is designed to be vertical and withstand immense forces, but it is a narrow, elevated, and highly unstable perch for a human, especially in a moving vessel. This image emphasizes the precariousness, the dizzying height, and the certainty of a devastating fall, symbolizing the imminent ruin and public disgrace that await the habitually intoxicated. Both clauses together paint a comprehensive picture of utter helplessness and extreme peril.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 23:34 is rich in **Imagery** and employs two striking **Similes** to convey its message. The first simile, "as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea," evokes a sense of overwhelming powerlessness and being completely adrift. The **Imagery** of the vast, uncontrollable sea effectively symbolizes the loss of self-control and the dangerous, unbounded nature of a life consumed by drink. The second simile, "or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast," introduces a different but equally potent image of extreme precariousness. This **Imagery** highlights the instability, the dizzying height, and the certainty of a devastating fall, representing the imminent ruin and public disgrace that await the habitually intoxicated. The use of **Hyperbole** in depicting such extreme situations underscores the severity of the warning, emphasizing that the consequences of drunkenness are not merely inconvenient but life-threatening and utterly disorienting.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of wisdom and folly, demonstrating how the pursuit of fleeting pleasure through intoxication leads to a state of profound spiritual and physical vulnerability. It underscores the biblical principle that true freedom and security are found not in self-indulgence but in self-control and adherence to God's wise precepts. The imagery of being adrift or precariously balanced speaks to the loss of a firm foundation, which biblically is found in God and His Word. The drunkard's state mirrors a soul without spiritual anchor, susceptible to every spiritual and moral current.

* [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a Mocker")
* [Isaiah 28:7](/isaiah/28-7 "Isaiah 28:7 - Priests and Prophets Stagger")
* [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 23:34 offers a timeless and sobering reflection on the deceptive nature of indulgence and the profound dangers of losing self-control. It challenges us to consider where we place our trust and what foundations we build our lives upon. The imagery of being adrift in the sea or teetering on a mast serves as a potent reminder that any habit or pursuit that diminishes our self-awareness, impairs our judgment, or compromises our stability ultimately leads to a state of extreme vulnerability and peril. This applies not only to alcohol but to any form of excess that promises escape but delivers bondage, whether it be digital addiction, consumerism, or unchecked anger. True wisdom calls us to sobriety, not just in terms of abstinence from substances, but in maintaining a clear mind and a discerning spirit, anchored in God's truth, so that we may navigate life's challenges with stability and purpose, rather than being swept away or falling from grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "adrift in the midst of the sea" or "upon the top of a mast" due to a lack of self-control or unchecked indulgence?**
* **How does the pursuit of temporary pleasure or escape compromise my spiritual and emotional stability?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater self-control and discernment in my daily life, aligning my choices with biblical wisdom?**

### FAQ

**Does this proverb only apply to alcohol, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While Proverbs 23:34 is specifically situated within a passage warning against the dangers of excessive wine consumption, its powerful imagery and underlying principles extend far beyond alcohol. The "midst of the sea" and "top of a mast" symbolize a state of extreme vulnerability, disorientation, and loss of control. This can apply to any form of addiction, unchecked indulgence, or reckless behavior that causes an individual to lose their bearings, compromise their judgment, and become susceptible to harm. The core message is about the perils of surrendering self-control and discernment, whether through substance abuse, excessive gambling, uncontrolled anger, or even an unbridled pursuit of wealth or power that leads one to neglect wisdom and righteousness. The Bible consistently warns against anything that masters us and leads us away from a life of wisdom and godliness, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 6:12](/1_corinthians/6-12 "1 Corinthians 6:12 - All Things Are Lawful, But Not All Things Are Profitable").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 23:34, with its stark imagery of a soul adrift and unstable, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, apart from Christ, is indeed like one "lieth down in the midst of the sea," lost in the vastness of sin, without direction or hope, completely at the mercy of spiritual currents and the power of death ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). We are also like those "lieth upon the top of a mast," precariously balanced on the edge of eternal judgment, with no secure footing or ability to save ourselves from the inevitable fall ([Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once")). However, Jesus Christ, the true wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")), provides the stability and rescue that the drunkard in Proverbs desperately lacks. He is our anchor in the storm, the firm foundation upon which we can build our lives ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He takes away the sin that leads to such spiritual disorientation and offers us new life, empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live lives of self-control and sobriety, no longer enslaved to destructive habits ([Titus 2:11-12](/titus/2-11 "Titus 2:11-12 - Grace Teaches Us to Live Soberly")). In Christ, we find true freedom and a secure standing, rescued from the perilous sea of sin and firmly planted on the rock of our salvation.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:2

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:7

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

Matthew 24:38

For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,

2 Samuel 13:28

Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, Mark ye now when Amnon's heart is merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite Amnon; then kill him, fear not: have not I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

Joel 1:5

Awake, ye drunkards, and weep; and howl, all ye drinkers of wine, because of the new wine; for it is cut off from your mouth.

1 Kings 16:9

And his servant Zimri, captain of half [his] chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of [his] house in Tirzah.