Proverbs 23:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.

NIV: In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.

NASB: In the end it bites like a snake And stings like a viper.

CSB: In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.

NLT: For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper.

KJV: At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

NKJV: At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper.

Sin often comes with immediate, short-term pleasures, followed by drastically larger consequences. Drunkenness is among the worst in this regard (Proverbs 23:29–30). Countless lives have been altered by accidents, violence, careless words, and poor decisions fueled by alcohol. Here, Scripture compares the initial pleasures of drinking (Proverbs 23:31) to the end results it can bring (Proverbs 16:25). The imagery here is that of a snakebite: a sudden, unexpected moment that quickly leads to death and ruin.

Serpents and adders, in this context, are deadly snakes (Acts 28:1–6). Just as no one wants to risk being bitten by a venomous snake, no one should treat alcohol with a careless attitude. Scripture does not prohibit all consumption of alcohol (Psalm 104:14–15; Proverbs 3:10; John 2:3–10). Yet it condemns drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18) and offers several warnings to that effect (Proverbs 20:1; Genesis 19:30–38). Most modern cultures offer easier access, and more powerful drinks, than were available in the ancient world; these warnings are arguably more applicable now than they were then.

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.