Proverbs 23:20
What does Proverbs 23:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 23:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 23:20 means
This proverb warns against the dangers of excess, specifically focusing on gluttony and drunkenness. The imagery of "clothing in rags" vividly portrays the outcome of such indulgence: poverty and ruin. It emphasizes that uncontrolled appetites lead to dire financial and social consequences, as the pursuit of momentary pleasures like excessive food and drink distracts from responsible living and leads to destitution. The verse highlights a direct cause-and-effect relationship between self-indulgence and economic hardship, reinforcing the broader biblical theme of self-control and stewardship. It
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Be not among winebibbers, Among gluttonous eaters of flesh:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Be not among winebibbers, Among gluttonous eaters of flesh:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do not be among those who give themselves to wine-drinking, or among those who make themselves full with meat:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Be not thou among quaffers of wine, Among gluttonous ones of flesh,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Be not in the feasts of great drinkers, nor in their revellings, who contribute flesh to eat:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Be not among winebibbers, among riotous eaters of flesh.
Context
Proverbs 23, where this verse is found, is a chapter filled with various admonitions and warnings for young men, often presented in the form of parental advice. Prior verses address issues like dining with rulers and the deceitfulness of wealth, setting a tone of caution against worldly temptations. Following this verse, the chapter continues with warnings against associating with immoral women and the importance of parental guidance. Thus, 23:20 fits within a larger discourse on wise living, responsible choices, and avoiding destructive behaviors that disrupt personal well-being and societal order.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 24:49
and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with the drunken;
- Proverbs 23:29
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? Who hath complaining? who hath wounds without cause? Who hath redness of eyes?
- Isaiah 5:11
Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that tarry late into the night, till wine inflame them!
- Isaiah 5:22
Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink;
- Isaiah 22:13
and, behold, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine: Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we shall die.
- Proverbs 31:6
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:
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