Proverbs 31:4

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

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}:

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?"

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

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

Proverbs 31:4 is part of a profound instruction given to King Lemuel by his mother, outlining the qualities and responsibilities of a righteous ruler. This chapter, unique in its attribution, offers timeless wisdom on leadership, integrity, and the ideal woman.

Context of Proverbs 31:4

The opening verses of Proverbs 31 introduce "the words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him." This maternal instruction focuses on the duties and dangers inherent in royal power. Specifically, verse 4 addresses the critical need for sobriety and clear judgment in leadership. The mother's advice highlights a foundational principle: those entrusted with governing and judging must maintain their faculties to ensure justice and righteousness for their people. This counsel is particularly pertinent for kings and princes, whose decisions have far-reaching consequences.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sobriety in Leadership: The primary message is that rulers must avoid intoxicating beverages. This isn't merely a personal preference but a crucial requirement for effective governance. The KJV's "wine" (Hebrew: yayin) and "strong drink" (Hebrew: shekar) refer to alcoholic beverages that impair judgment.
  • Clear Judgment for Justice: A king's role involves administering justice and upholding the law. Drinking wine or strong drink can cloud the mind, leading to distorted perceptions and unjust decisions. For a king, wine is a mocker and strong drink is raging, making wise and equitable rule impossible.
  • Responsibility of Authority: Those in positions of power, whether political, spiritual, or corporate, bear a heavy responsibility. Their actions affect many. Therefore, they must maintain a clear mind, free from any influence that could compromise their ability to lead with integrity and wisdom. This principle is echoed in other biblical warnings against leaders being swayed by drink, such as in Isaiah 28:7 concerning priests and prophets.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used are yayin (wine) and shekar (strong drink). While yayin refers to fermented grape juice, shekar denotes any intoxicating liquor, often derived from grains or fruits, implying a stronger potency. The repeated phrase "not for kings" emphasizes the absolute importance of this prohibition for those in such high office. It's not about the drink itself being inherently evil in all contexts, but its specific detrimental effect on the critical function of a ruler.

Practical Application

While directly addressed to ancient royalty, the principle of Proverbs 31:4 remains profoundly relevant for all who hold positions of influence today. Leaders in government, business, education, the church, and even within families, are called to exercise their authority with a clear mind and sound judgment. This extends beyond just alcohol to anything that might compromise one's ability to make wise, impartial, and righteous decisions. It encourages a lifestyle of self-control and discernment, recognizing that significant responsibilities demand complete mental clarity to ensure the well-being of those under one's care. The call to be sober and vigilant is a universal one for all believers, particularly those in leadership.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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