Proverbs 23:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Those who tarry long over wine; those who go to try mixed wine.

NIV: Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.

NASB: Those who linger long over wine, Those who go to taste mixed wine.

CSB: Those who linger over wine; those who go looking for mixed wine.

NLT: It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks.

KJV: They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

NKJV: Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.

Scripture does not prohibit all consumption of alcohol. However, the Bible is noticeably clear about the dangers of drunkenness. Those warnings are especially meaningful in the modern era; alcoholic drinks tend to be more potent and more easily acquired than in the ancient world. The prior verse (Proverbs 23:29) listed various maladies; this verse associates those with drinking to excess.

To "tarry" is to delay or spend excessive time on something. Too much drinking leads to drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18) and all the problems it brings. When drinking becomes a routine part, even a necessary aspect, of one's lifestyle, that should be a cause for concern (1 Corinthians 6:12). Many teachings in the book of Proverbs warn about drunkenness (Proverbs 20:1; 21:17; 23:29–35). Other books give similar advice (Isaiah 5:22; Habakkuk 2:15; 1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 2:3). This section of chapter 23 is the Bible's most detailed, direct caution about this subject.

Other Scriptures contain vivid examples of the consequences of drunkenness. Noah's excess drinking led to family shame and a curse (Genesis 9:20–25). Lot's daughters used alcohol to conceive children with their own father (Genesis 19:30–38). Several questionable decisions in the Bible are associated with those made "merry" with alcohol (Judges 16:25; Esther 1:10; 1 Samuel 25:35–38; 2 Samuel 13:28). Those charged with certain responsibilities were advised to nearly or completely abstain from drinking (Leviticus 10:9; Numbers 6:3; Proverbs 31:4).

The concept of "mixed wine" is not clearly explained in Scripture. The literal phrase found here is seen in Isaiah 65:11. References to the same idea appear in Proverbs 9:2, Proverbs 9:5, and Song of Solomon 7:2. Most likely, this means drinks mingled with other substances to change the taste, or even to make them more intoxicating.

Proverbs 23:26–35 contains a portion of thirty wise sayings endorsed by Solomon (Proverbs 22:17–21). In verse 26, he again pleads for his words to be heard. The warnings given here are more extensive than most others in this book. The first sounds an alarm about sexual temptation, comparing it to a trap or an ambush. The second goes to great lengths discouraging drunkenness, because of its effects and the danger of addiction.

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.