Proverbs 23:20

Proverbs 23:20

ESV: Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat,

KJV: Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

NIV: Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,

NKJV: Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat;

NLT: Do not carouse with drunkards
or feast with gluttons,

Meaning

Proverbs 23:20 serves as a cautionary injunction, warning against the practice of excessive indulgence in food and drink, and, critically, against habitually associating with individuals who habitually engage in such behaviors. It promotes self-control, moderation, and the diligent choice of one's companions, implying that such excesses lead to spiritual, moral, and material ruin. The verse anticipates the consequences elaborated in the subsequent verse (v. 21).

Cross References

Context

Proverbs 23:20 is embedded within a larger section of practical wisdom instructions (Proverbs 22:17 - 24:34) known as "The Sayings of the Wise." This particular verse forms a unit with verse 21, which details the negative consequences of the behavior warned against: poverty and destitution. The surrounding verses in Proverbs 23 offer diverse moral injunctions: warnings against greed, envy, and dishonesty (vv. 1-11), encouragement for diligent learning and parental discipline (vv. 12-19), and further warnings against immoral women (vv. 26-28). The book of Proverbs generally presents a clear contrast between wisdom and folly, advocating for a life characterized by self-control, discernment, and reverence for God as the path to blessing, while portraying unrestrained indulgence as a mark of folly leading to ruin. The historical-cultural context of ancient Israel valued discipline, responsible living, and community integrity. Gluttony and drunkenness were not merely personal vices but often indicative of a lack of stewardship, discipline, and a disregard for one's familial and societal responsibilities, capable of bringing shame upon the family and impoverishing the household. Such profligate behavior could be contrasted with the disciplined, modest living promoted by the covenant community.

Word analysis

• Be not among (אַל-תְּהִי – ʾal-tĕhi): This is a direct, strong negative command, a prohibition. ʾAl signifies "do not." Tĕhi comes from the verb hayah, "to be." The instruction is not simply against the act, but against the lifestyle and, significantly, against being found with or joining the company of those who embody these vices. It suggests a warning against adopting their practices through close association.
• winebibbers (סֹבְאֵי יַיִן – sōbĕʾē yāyin): Sōbĕʾē derives from the root sābāʾ, which means "to drink largely, guzzle, or carouse." This term implies habitual, excessive consumption of wine (yāyin), rather than moderate, responsible use. It speaks to an unbridled appetite for drink, leading to inebriation and a loss of self-control. It points to a character marked by excessive indulgence.
• among riotous eaters of flesh (זוֹלְלֵי בָשָׂר – zōlălē bāśār): Zōlălē comes from the root zālal, meaning "to be worthless, despise, be loose, gluttonous, prodigal." It conveys the idea of squandering or despising things, particularly by excessive consumption. This is not just eating a lot, but rather wasteful, unrestrained, indulgent feasting, especially on bāśār (meat), which was often a more costly item. The "riotous" aspect points to undisciplined and extravagant consumption, indicative of profligacy and lacking restraint.
• Word-group Analysis:
  • "winebibbers" and "riotous eaters of flesh": These two phrases parallel each other, indicating two facets of the same problem: a general lack of self-control and disciplined living. Both point to unrestrained indulgence in physical appetites. They describe specific types of people (not just isolated actions), whose lives are characterized by excess and heedlessness regarding stewardship and future consequences. The coupling highlights that both habits share a root of indiscipline and can lead to similar ruinous outcomes. The specific mention of "flesh/meat" might highlight luxury or indulgence beyond mere subsistence, as meat was not a daily staple for everyone in ancient Israel.

Commentary

Proverbs 23:20 presents a vital lesson on the importance of self-control and discernment in one's associations. The wisdom presented is not against enjoyment of food and wine in moderation, but a direct warning against the lifestyle of immoderate consumption. "Winebibbers" are not casual drinkers, but habitual excessive drinkers; "riotous eaters of flesh" are gluttons who consume wastefully and without discipline. The core message extends beyond merely avoiding gluttony and drunkenness; it urges separation from those who consistently exhibit such behavior. The rationale is clear: prolonged association can lead one to adopt their harmful practices and suffer the same inevitable ruin (v. 21). This is a call for prudent character formation, emphasizing that a truly wise person maintains control over their appetites and chooses companions who foster virtues, not vices. The passage implicitly reminds the listener that true freedom is found in discipline, not in unrestrained indulgence, and that our choices of companionship profoundly influence our character and destiny.

Bonus section

The warning against winebibbers and gluttons is often framed as a matter of economic prudence alongside moral rectitude in Proverbs. The profligate spending associated with continuous feasting and drinking, coupled with the impaired judgment and productivity from excess, directly leads to poverty and ruin. This proverb isn't merely an abstract moral code but a practical guide to responsible living and effective household management within a community setting. It highlights that self-indulgence affects not just the individual but also the family and community resources. The concept of temperance (self-control) is a cornerstone of biblical wisdom, applicable to all areas of life, not just food and drink, reflecting mastery over desires rather than being mastered by them.

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