What does Proverbs 31:4 mean?

The prior lesson warned about letting a weakness for sex "destroy" a king (Proverbs 31:3). This is part of the wisdom passed down to a king named Lemuel, from his mother (Proverbs 31:1–2). Both teachings share a common theme of losing control. Scripture offers advice that those in leadership be extremely cautious about intoxicating substances, if not abstain from them completely. Such things can lead to poor decisions and failure in that role (Proverbs 31:5).

All things given by God are good when used in their intended purpose (1 Timothy 4:4). Scripture warns about lust, but not all sexuality is wrong. In a similar way, the Bible never prohibits all consumption of alcohol. Yet it explicitly condemns excess: drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). Scripture contains cautionary tales about the humiliating, life-ruining effects which can come from that vice (Genesis 9:20–23; 19:30–38). Lust was said to "destroy kings," and alcohol can do the same, as in the case of Elah (1 Kings 16:8–10). He was caught off guard and killed by a rival when intoxicated. Ben-hadad made a similar mistake during a war (1 Kings 20:16–21). Belshazzar (Daniel 5:2–5) and Ahasuerus (Esther 1:10–12; 2:1) seem to have made unwise choices under the influence of alcohol.