Proverbs 23:34

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Proverbs 23:34, from the King James Version, powerfully illustrates the dangerous and disorienting state of one who is habitually intoxicated. This verse concludes a vivid description (beginning in Proverbs 23:29) of the physical, mental, and social consequences of excessive drinking, painting a picture of utter vulnerability and lack of control.

Context

This proverb is found within a larger section of the Book of Proverbs offering practical wisdom and moral instruction. Specifically, verses 29-35 of chapter 23 focus entirely on the perils of drunkenness. The preceding verses detail the "woe," "sorrow," "contentions," "babbling," and "wounds without cause" that characterize the life of a drunkard. Verse 32 likens the eventual consequence to a serpent's bite, and verse 33 describes distorted perception and perverse speech. Proverbs 23:34 serves as a stark metaphor for the extreme peril and disorientation that results from such indulgence, setting the stage for the drunkard's oblivious state in verse 35.

Key Themes

  • Loss of Control and Helplessness: The imagery of "lieth down in the midst of the sea" evokes a person adrift, completely at the mercy of the elements, without any stable ground or ability to steer their own course. This powerfully symbolizes the loss of self-control and agency that accompanies drunkenness.
  • Extreme Peril and Instability: "Or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast" paints a picture of extreme precariousness. A mast, while necessary for sailing, is a highly unstable place for a person to lie, especially in the open sea. This highlights the immense danger, vulnerability, and impending fall faced by those who surrender to intoxication.
  • Disorientation and Delusion: Both metaphors suggest a state of profound disorientation, where one's perceptions are skewed, and their ability to discern reality or danger is severely compromised. This aligns with the "strange women" and "perverse things" seen and spoken of in Proverbs 23:33.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mast" in this verse, chovel (Χ—ΦΉΧ‘Φ΅Χœ), can also refer to a "sailor" or "helmsman." However, the King James Version's translation of "mast" fits the context of extreme physical instability and vulnerability, emphasizing the precarious position rather than the person. The imagery is designed to convey a sense of being utterly exposed and without solid footing.

Practical Application

Proverbs 23:34 serves as a timeless warning about the deceptive and destructive nature of excessive indulgence, particularly with alcohol. It teaches us that:

  • Self-Control is Paramount: Losing control of one's faculties leads to a state of extreme vulnerability and poor judgment, which can have devastating consequences. The Bible often extols the virtue of self-control as a fruit of the Spirit.
  • Consequences are Inevitable: While drunkenness may offer temporary escape, this proverb reminds us that it ultimately places one in a position of grave danger, both physically and spiritually. The eventual "bite like a serpent" (Proverbs 23:32) is a stark reminder of these consequences.
  • Wisdom Guides Stability: In contrast to the instability described, wisdom provides a firm foundation and guides one towards a stable and purposeful life. Wisdom is the principal thing, offering clarity where intoxication brings confusion.
This verse encourages readers to pursue moderation, sobriety, and discerning choices, understanding that true freedom and safety come from self-mastery and adherence to God's wise principles, rather than succumbing to destructive habits.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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