Proverbs 31:4

KJV

[It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, [it is] not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

KJV (with Strong's)

It is not for kings {H4428}, O Lemuel {H3927}, it is not for kings {H4428} to drink {H8354} wine {H3196}; nor for {H335}{H176} princes {H7336} strong drink {H7941}:

Complete Jewish Bible

It is not for kings, L'mu'el, not for kings to drink wine; it is not for rulers to ask, "Where can I find strong liquor?"

Berean Standard Bible

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,

American Standard Version

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:4 presents a profound and urgent maternal admonition to King Lemuel, asserting that those in positions of royal authority must rigorously abstain from intoxicating beverages. This prohibition is not merely a matter of personal virtue but a foundational requirement for righteous and effective governance, ensuring that rulers maintain an unclouded mind, sound discernment, and an uncompromised capacity to administer justice fairly, compassionately, and without prejudice, particularly for the voiceless and vulnerable among their subjects.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 31 uniquely begins with "The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him," immediately establishing the source of wisdom as maternal instruction, a distinctive feature within the book of Proverbs. The chapter is structured into two primary sections: the advice to King Lemuel (verses 1-9) and the celebrated description of the "excellent wife" (verses 10-31). Verse 4 is integral to the first section, which meticulously outlines the moral and ethical responsibilities incumbent upon a king. It follows a warning against sexual immorality (verse 3) and directly precedes an elaboration on the dire consequences of impaired judgment, specifically the perversion of justice for the afflicted and the poor (verses 5-9). Consequently, verse 4 serves as a pivotal principle concerning the king's personal conduct, directly influencing his public duty to uphold righteousness and ensure equitable governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, monarchs wielded immense power, frequently perceived as divine representatives or even deities themselves. Their decrees and judgments profoundly impacted the lives, and often the deaths, of their subjects. Therefore, the integrity and clarity of their judgment were paramount. While wine was a common beverage, integral to daily life and celebratory occasions, its excessive consumption was universally recognized as a path to folly and impaired decision-making, a theme echoed throughout biblical literature, such as in [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a Mocker"). For a king, whose primary responsibilities included administering justice, protecting the weak, and maintaining social order, any impairment of faculties constituted a grave dereliction of duty. The prevailing cultural expectation was for a ruler to embody wisdom, discernment, and sobriety, ensuring that the law was applied equitably and that the cries of the marginalized were heard and addressed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **wise leadership** and the indispensable necessity of **sobriety and clear judgment** for all those in positions of authority. A king's mind must remain unclouded to accurately discern truth, render impartial decisions, and resist being swayed by external pressures, personal desires, or internal biases. Secondly, it highlights the profound theme of **justice for the vulnerable**. The mother's concern extends beyond the king's personal integrity to the far-reaching societal implications of his actions; impaired judgment inevitably leads to the perversion of justice for "the afflicted" and "all the children of affliction" (verse 5). This reinforces the urgent call to "open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy" (verses 8-9), a mandate that resonates with the biblical emphasis on God's unwavering concern for justice and the protection of the marginalized, a responsibility entrusted to earthly rulers, as exemplified in [Psalm 72:1-4](/psalms/72-1-4 "Psalm 72:1-4 - A Prayer for the King").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **kings (Hebrew, _melek'_):** From H4428, meaning "a king; king, royal." This term refers to a sovereign ruler, one who holds ultimate authority within a kingdom. Its emphatic repetition in the verse underscores the specific and critical nature of this prohibition for those entrusted with such a high and responsible office, highlighting that their role demands an uncompromised state of mind.
* **wine (Hebrew, _yayin'_):** From H3196, meaning "wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication; banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber)." This term denotes fermented grape juice, a common alcoholic beverage in the ancient world. While not inherently evil in all contexts, its consumption to the point of intoxication is consistently warned against in Scripture, particularly for those whose responsibilities necessitate clear and unimpaired judgment.
* **strong drink (Hebrew, _shêkâr'_):** From H7941, meaning "an intoxicant, i.e. intensely alcoholic liquor; strong drink, [phrase] drunkard, strong wine." This refers to any intensely alcoholic liquor, often made from grains or fruits, implying a higher potency than _yayin_. The pairing of "wine" and "strong drink" comprehensively covers the full spectrum of intoxicating beverages, reinforcing the absolute and comprehensive nature of the prohibition for rulers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, [it is] not for kings to drink wine":** This opening clause immediately establishes the subject of the prohibition and the nature of the proscribed activity. The powerful repetition of "not for kings" functions as a potent rhetorical device, underscoring the absolute and non-negotiable importance of this command for those holding royal office. The direct address to "Lemuel" personalizes the instruction, transforming it into an earnest and direct warning to the young king. The specific mention of "wine" initiates the enumeration of intoxicating substances, setting the stage for the broader prohibition.
* **"nor for princes strong drink":** This second clause extends the prohibition to "princes," or rulers of lesser rank, and specifies "strong drink." This parallelism broadens the scope of the warning to encompass all levels of governmental authority, implying that any form of leadership requires a clear and sober mind. The inclusion of "strong drink" emphasizes that no type of intoxicating beverage, regardless of its potency, is suitable for those entrusted with the welfare, justice, and governance of a nation.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:4 skillfully employs several effective **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic phrase "not for kings," which serves to highlight the gravity and non-negotiable nature of the prohibition for those in positions of power. This repetition acts as a powerful admonition, deeply imprinting the message into the listener's mind. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry. The pairing of "kings" with "princes" and "wine" with "strong drink" creates a balanced and reinforcing structure that underscores the comprehensive scope of the warning, applying it to all forms of high office and all types of intoxicating beverages. Furthermore, the verse functions as a direct **Admonition** or **Didacticism**, a form of instruction or moral teaching, which is characteristic of the wisdom literature found throughout the book of Proverbs, aiming to impart practical and ethical guidance for righteous living and leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 31:4 powerfully articulates the profound biblical principle that leadership, particularly in the critical spheres of justice and governance, demands absolute clarity of mind and uncompromised judgment. This imperative is deeply rooted in the theological understanding that human rulers are, in a sense, God's appointed representatives on earth, tasked with upholding His righteousness, administering His justice, and caring for His people. Intoxication inherently clouds discernment, distorts perception, and fundamentally undermines the capacity for impartial and equitable decision-making, thereby directly hindering a leader's ability to fulfill their God-given mandate. The prohibition articulated here is not merely about personal virtue or temperance but about the far-reaching societal impact of a leader's choices, particularly concerning the vulnerable, the voiceless, and the integrity of the judicial system.

* [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 Stumble")
* [1 Timothy 3:2-3](/1_timothy/3-2-3 "1 Timothy 3:2-3 - Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While originally addressed to ancient royalty, the profound wisdom embedded in Proverbs 31:4 transcends its immediate historical context, offering timeless and vital principles for all who hold positions of influence today. This includes those in governmental roles, corporate leadership, educational institutions, the church, and even within the family unit. The core message is the critical and enduring importance of maintaining a clear mind and sound judgment when making decisions that impact the lives and well-being of others. This principle extends far beyond literal alcoholic beverages to encompass anything that might impair one's ability to lead with integrity, wisdom, and impartiality—be it an addiction to power, unchecked greed, unmanaged emotional responses, excessive distractions, or even undue self-interest. True leadership, whether public or private, demands self-control, acute discernment, and an unwavering commitment to prioritize the welfare of those under one's care above personal indulgence or fleeting desires. As followers of Christ, we are called to be vigilant, sober-minded, and prepared to act justly in all our spheres of influence, remembering that even our seemingly small acts of leadership carry significant responsibility before God and humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I exercise influence or leadership, and what practical steps can I take to ensure my decisions are consistently made with a clear and uncompromised mind?**
* **Beyond literal strong drink, what "intoxicants" (e.g., pride, anger, fear, distraction, social media, self-interest) might subtly cloud my judgment or hinder my ability to serve others justly and effectively?**
* **How does my personal commitment to discipline, self-control, and spiritual sobriety contribute to my effectiveness in fulfilling my responsibilities, both in my relationship with God and in my interactions with others?**

### FAQ
**Who is King Lemuel, and why is this advice given to him?**

Answer: King Lemuel is mentioned exclusively in [Proverbs 31:1](/proverbs/31-1 "Proverbs 31:1 - The Words of King Lemuel") and [Proverbs 31:4](/proverbs/31-4 "Proverbs 31:4 - Kings and Strong Drink"). His precise identity remains a subject of scholarly discussion; some suggest he may be a symbolic or allegorical figure, while others propose he was a foreign king or even a poetic, perhaps symbolic, name for Solomon himself, given the book's strong association with him. The name "Lemuel" itself, meaning "belonging to God" or "devoted to God," lends weight to a symbolic interpretation. Regardless of his exact historical identity, the advice is presented as a "prophecy that his mother taught him," underscoring the profound and foundational wisdom passed down from a queen mother to her royal son. This maternal instruction highlights the crucial role of godly counsel in shaping a leader's character and conduct, particularly regarding the inherent dangers of power and the absolute necessity of righteous governance.

**Does this verse prohibit all consumption of alcohol for everyone?**

Answer: This verse specifically addresses kings and princes, emphasizing their unique and weighty responsibility to maintain clear judgment for the sake of administering justice and governing righteously. It does not issue a universal prohibition against all alcohol consumption for all people in all contexts. The Bible presents a nuanced view of wine, acknowledging its potential for blessing and joy (e.g., [Psalm 104:15](/psalms/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine that Makes the Heart Glad")) while simultaneously issuing strong warnings against its abuse and the dangers of intoxication (e.g., [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a Mocker")). However, for those in positions of leadership—whether political, spiritual, or familial—the call to sobriety, clear-mindedness, and self-control is consistently strong and explicit, as seen in the qualifications for overseers in [1 Timothy 3:2-3](/1_timothy/3-2-3 "1 Timothy 3:2-3 - Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons") and for elders in [Titus 1:7](/titus/1-7 "Titus 1:7 - Qualifications for Elders"). The overarching principle derived from this verse is that anything that impairs one's ability to make wise, just, and responsible decisions should be avoided, especially by those entrusted with the welfare and governance of others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:4, with its urgent call for a king's unwavering sobriety and unclouded judgment, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and reign of Jesus Christ. Earthly kings, even the most righteous among them, were inherently prone to human frailties, temptations, and the corrupting influence of power, often failing to uphold justice due to personal indulgence or impaired judgment. Yet, Jesus, the true and eternal King, embodies perfect wisdom, absolute self-control, and unblemished righteousness. He never succumbed to any form of "intoxication"—whether literal or metaphorical—that could cloud His divine judgment or compromise His sacred mission. As the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), He perfectly administered divine justice, not through human decrees or flawed legal systems, but through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. He is the [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), whose reign is eternally characterized by righteousness, justice, and peace (e.g., [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace and His Everlasting Kingdom")). Unlike earthly rulers who might pervert justice under the influence of drink or personal bias, Christ perfectly upholds the cause of the poor and needy, always acting with divine clarity, compassion, and unwavering integrity. His life, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice exemplify the ideal of a perfectly sober, just, and compassionate ruler, making Him the ultimate standard and the source of strength for all who seek to lead with integrity and wisdom, reflecting His own unblemished character (e.g., [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Our High Priest")).

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

Proverbs 20:1

¶ Wine [is] a mocker, strong drink [is] raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Ecclesiastes 10:17

Blessed [art] thou, O land, when thy king [is] the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

Isaiah 5:22

Woe unto [them that are] mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:

Hosea 4:11

Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.

Hosea 4:12

¶ My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused [them] to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God.

1 Kings 20:16

And they went out at noon. But Benhadad [was] drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.

1 Kings 20:20

And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen.