Proverbs 20:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

NIV: Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

NASB: Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

CSB: Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler; whoever goes astray because of them is not wise.

NLT: Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.

KJV: Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

NKJV: Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Scripture does not forbid the drinking of alcohol, though it clearly identifies drunkenness as a sin (Ephesians 5:18; Romans 13:13). Numerous examples from the Bible show what happens when a person loses self-control due to alcohol (Genesis 9:21; 19:33). This verse uses Hebrew terms referring to alcohol derived from grapes, as well as stronger drinks made from grains and other fruits. The risk of addiction, the lack of control, and other dangers are why those who overuse alcohol are unwise. The phrasing here might also be translated to imply that such a person will not "become wise," thanks to a life derailed by drinking.

The apostle Paul endorsed the use of wine for medicinal purposes, telling Timothy, "No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments" (1Timothy 5:23). Proverbs 23:20–21, 29–35, and 31:4–5 also issue warnings about getting drunk.

Proverbs 20:1–11 issues warnings about alcohol, infuriating those in authority, quarreling, and laziness. Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) also commends an understanding mind, faithfulness, integrity, and righteous conduct.

In this section of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1), he again discusses a wide range of subjects. These echo many of the common themes of the book of Proverbs. Solomon warns against foolishness (Proverbs 1:7), hastiness, angering authorities, and the consequences of sin and dishonesty. Several references condemn dishonest business dealings. Others note the value of diligence in making decisions.

This chapter of Proverbs belongs to the second division of the book that extends from Proverbs chapter 10 to chapter 22, in which there are nearly 400 wise sayings. Proverbs 20 continues the collection of Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter Solomon focuses on numerous things which harm the unwise. Among them are laziness, wrong values, and bad decisions.

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.

Accessed 4/29/2024 3:35:27 AM