Proverbs 23:20
Proverbs 23:20 in Multiple Translations
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
Be not among winebibbers, Among gluttonous eaters of flesh:
Do not be among those who give themselves to wine-drinking, or among those who make themselves full with meat:
Don't join in with people who drink too much wine or who stuff themselves with meat.
Keepe not company with drunkards, nor with gluttons.
Be not thou among quaffers of wine, Among gluttonous ones of flesh,
Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat;
Be not among wine-bibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
Be not in the feasts of great drinkers, nor in their revellings, who contribute flesh to eat:
Do not associate with those who drink a lot of ◄wine/strong drink► or with those who ◄are gluttons/eat more than they should►,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 23:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תְּהִ֥י
בְ/סֹֽבְאֵי
יָ֑יִן
בְּ/זֹלֲלֵ֖י
בָשָׂ֣ר
לָֽ/מוֹ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תְּהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
בְ/סֹֽבְאֵי
çâbâʼ
H5433
to imbibe
Prep | V-Qal
יָ֑יִן
yayin
H3196
wine
N-ms
בְּ/זֹלֲלֵ֖י
zâlal
H2151
to shake
Prep | V-Qal
בָשָׂ֣ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
לָֽ/מוֹ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:20
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תְּהִ֥י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בְ/סֹֽבְאֵי
çâbâʼ
H5433
"to imbibe"
Prep | V-Qal
To be drunk, or a drunkard, is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used in the Bible to describe someone who overindulges in wine. It appears in descriptions of excessive drinking. The word is also used to describe a person who drinks too much.
Definition: 1) to drink heavily or largely, imbibe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to imbibe
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: drunkard, fill self, Sabean, (wine-) bibber. See also: Proverbs 23:20; Isaiah 56:12; Proverbs 23:21.
יָ֑יִן
yayin
H3196
"wine"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
בְּ/זֹלֲלֵ֖י
zâlal
H2151
"to shake"
Prep | V-Qal
Zalal means to be vile or worthless, describing someone who is morally loose or reckless, as seen in Proverbs 28:2 where a riotous eater is described as vile.
Definition: 1) (Qal) to shake, tremble, quake 1a) (Niphal) to shake, quake
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: blow down, glutton, riotous (eater), vile. See also: Deuteronomy 21:20; Isaiah 63:19; Proverbs 23:20.
בָשָׂ֣ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
לָֽ/מוֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:20
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:20
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:20
Context — Saying 16
18For surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
19Listen, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart on the right course.
20Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.
21For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags. 22Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 21:34 | But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. |
| 2 | Ephesians 5:18 | Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. |
| 3 | Isaiah 5:22 | Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing beer, |
| 4 | Romans 13:13 | Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. |
| 5 | Matthew 24:49 | And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards. |
| 6 | Proverbs 23:29–35 | Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas or lying on the top of a mast: “They struck me, but I feel no pain! They beat me, but I did not know it! When can I wake up to search for another drink?” |
| 7 | Proverbs 20:1 | Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. |
| 8 | Luke 16:19 | Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. |
| 9 | Proverbs 28:7 | A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father. |
| 10 | Proverbs 31:6–7 | Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. |
Proverbs 23:20 Summary
Proverbs 23:20 is warning us against hanging out with people who drink too much or eat too much, because this can lead to bad habits and trouble, as seen in the next verse, Proverbs 23:21. It's not saying we can't ever have wine or meat, but we should be careful not to overdo it, like it says in 1 Corinthians 6:12. By choosing our friends wisely and being mindful of our own behavior, we can make good choices and live in a way that honors God, as taught in Matthew 5:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main warning in Proverbs 23:20?
The main warning is to avoid joining those who drink excessively or overindulge in food, as this can lead to negative consequences, as seen in Proverbs 23:21 and also warned against in Ephesians 5:18.
Is it wrong to drink wine or eat meat according to Proverbs 23:20?
The verse is not condemning moderate consumption of wine or meat, but rather warning against excessive behavior, as also noted in 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 1 Timothy 3:2-3.
Why is it important to avoid the company of those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat?
Association with those who engage in such behaviors can lead to adopting those same habits, as warned in 1 Corinthians 15:33, and negatively impact one's spiritual and physical well-being, as seen in Proverbs 23:21.
How does this verse relate to being a good witness for Christ?
By avoiding excessive behaviors and choosing wise company, believers can maintain a good testimony and reflect the character of Christ, as taught in Matthew 5:16 and 1 Peter 2:12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations where I might be tempted to join in excessive behaviors, and how can I prepare myself to make wise choices?
- How can I balance enjoying the gifts of food and drink with avoiding overindulgence, and what role does self-control play in this balance?
- In what ways can the company I keep influence my behavior and spiritual growth, and how can I seek out positive, godly influences in my life?
- What are some practical steps I can take to prioritize my spiritual and physical well-being, and how can I hold myself accountable in these areas?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:20
Be not amongst winebibbers,.... Who drink to excess, otherwise wine may be drank, provided moderation is used; but it is not good to be in company with, excessive drinkers of it, lost a habit of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:20
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: Be not ... among riotous eaters of flesh - literally, 'among, those who immoderately eat flesh for themselves' (Deuteronomy 21:20).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:20
Avoid their conversation and company, lest thou be either infected or injured by them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:20
Proverbs 23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:Ver. 20. Be not among wine-bibbers.] Follow not the custom nor company of such; thou knowest not what thou mayest be drawn to do, though of thyself averse to such evil courses. Noah got no good by the luxurious old world with whom he lived; nor Lot by the intemperate Sodomites. Uriah, a good man, was at length persuaded to drink to excess. "Let him that standeth take heed lest he fall." That evil servant that presumes to "eat and drink with the drunken," shall be cut off in the middle Among riotous eaters of flesh.] Among fleshmongers, qui crapulae indulgent, that pamper their paunches, In cute curanda plus aequo operati. See my Common Place of Abstinence. These are all for themselves, as Nabal was. Helluantur sibi carnem - so the Hebrew runs; They ravin up flesh for themselves. διχοτομησει.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:20
Verse 20. Be not among winebibbers] There is much of this chapter spent in giving directions concerning eating, drinking, and entertainments in general. First, the pupil is directed relative to the manner in which he is to conduct himself in his visits to the tables of the rich and great. 2. Relative to the covetous, and his intercourse with them. And 3. To public entertainments, where there were generally riot and debauch. The reasons, says Calmet, which induced the wise man to give these directions were, 1. The useless expense. 2. The loss of time. 3. The danger from bad company.
And 4. The danger of contracting irregular habits, and of being induced to lead a voluptuous and effeminate life.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:20
20. riotous] Rather, gluttonous, as the same word is rendered in Proverbs 23:21 and Deuteronomy 21:20, A.V.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:20
20, 21. Winebibbers — That is, persons who drink excessively. Riotous eaters of flesh — Muenscher says”Prodigal of flesh for themselves.” “Prodigal of flesh for their gratification.” — Stuart.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Step 14 on the Clamorous , Yet Wicked Master-the Stomach. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus delivers a sermon on the dangers of gluttony, highlighting how it leads to hypocrisy, excess, and a lack of self-control. He emphasizes the importance of mortifyi |
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The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness. (Ephesians 5:18) by George Whitefield | George Whitefield preaches a powerful sermon on the dangers of drunkenness, emphasizing the need for believers to abstain from excessive drinking and instead be filled with the Spi |
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Danielic Loyalty: The Issue of Gluttony and the Reality of Consecration by Bryan Anthony | Bryan Anthony preaches on the exemplary life of Daniel and his friends who chose not to defile themselves with the king's luxurious food and wine, highlighting the importance of ma |
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Strong Drink Versus Christianity by Catherine Booth | Catherine Booth preaches on the value of temperance in religious aggressive effort, emphasizing the need for Christians to actively engage in delivering others from evil habits and |
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On Fasting by St. Paisy of Neamt | St. Paisy of Neamt emphasizes the importance of fasting as a virtue, advocating for a daily practice of eating a little bit to keep the body submissive to the spirit and capable of |
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Is Alcohol Use Among Christians the New Golden Calf? by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the delicate balance between freedom and sin, responsibility and carelessness when it comes to alcohol consumption, emphasizing the dangers of over-indulgen |
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The Synagogue of Incarnate Devils! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks laments the prevalence of ale-houses, gaming-houses, and whore-houses, describing them as the 'synagogue of incarnate devils' and nurseries of sin. He emphasizes the |