Proverbs 23:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.

NIV: for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

NASB: For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags.

CSB: For the drunkard and the glutton will become poor, and grogginess will clothe them in rags.

NLT: for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags.

KJV: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

NKJV: For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.

The prior verse warned against even being "among" those known for their excess and lack of self-control. Solomon pointed specifically to drunkenness and gluttony, but also implied all forms of uncontrolled urges. Not only can friends and associates influence our character (Proverbs 12:26; 13:20), but their choices can lead to troubles that sweep up innocent bystanders, as well (Proverbs 22:24–25).

This statement explains some of the consequences which come from uncontrolled excess. Those obsessed with the "party hard" lifestyle waste outrageous amounts of time and money on it. The same is true with any urge or desire that's marked by greed and addiction. This can lead to financial hardships, strained relationships, and trouble with employment. Substance addiction, especially, can ruin a person's ability to hold down a job.

An earlier teaching warned against being jealous of sinful lifestyles (Proverbs 23:17–18). Advertising always portrays alcohol as part of a fun time, but never points out how many people's lives have been ruined by drinking. Scripture doesn't forbid all use of alcohol, but it is clear about its dangers (Proverbs 23:29–35). The same is true of excessive eating, partying, substance abuse, or entertainment. If someone is controlled by their desires, those urges will push them towards personal disaster.

Proverbs 23:12–21 lays out more of the thirty wise sayings which Solomon recorded for others to hear (Proverbs 22:17–21). Verses 12 and 19 repeat the call to heed wisdom. The following helpful statements touch on child discipline, personal integrity, caution about one's companions, and the benefits of listening to godly parental advice.

This portion of wise sayings (Proverbs 22:17–21) starts with the sixth of thirty mentioned in chapter 22. These include advice on presenting oneself well to a host, while not being unduly influenced by such hospitality. The passage also speaks on the right time to share wisdom, ethics, discipline, and the joys associated with godly children. Also included are warnings about relationships and those who lack self-control. The chapter ends with the Bible's most strident warning about the dangers of alcohol abuse; this is the eighteenth of the thirty promised teachings.

This chapter continues Solomon's collection of the sayings of wise men (Proverbs 22:17–21). These lessons continue through Proverbs 24:34. Here, Solomon addresses his "son," perhaps meaning a student, with warnings about money, gluttony, speaking in the company of a fool, dishonesty, withholding discipline from a child, keeping company with drunkards, and the abuse of alcohol. The description of alcohol's risks is the most extensive such caution given in Scripture.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.