Proverbs 23:21
Proverbs 23:21 in Multiple Translations
For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty; And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.
For those who take delight in drink and feasting will come to be in need; and through love of sleep a man will be poorly clothed.
For people who get drunk and overeat lose all they've got, and they spend so much time dozing that all they have left to wear is rags.
For the drunkard and the glutton shall bee poore, and the sleeper shalbe clothed with ragges.
For the quaffer and glutton become poor, And drowsiness clotheth with rags.
for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
Because they that give themselves to drinking, and that club together shall be consumed; and drowsiness shall be clothed with rags.
because drunkards and gluttons will become poor; and if all that you do is eat and sleep, you will soon ◄be wearing rags/not have any money to buy clothes►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:21
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 23:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
סֹבֵ֣א
וְ֭/זוֹלֵל
יִוָּרֵ֑שׁ
וּ֝/קְרָעִ֗ים
תַּלְבִּ֥ישׁ
נוּמָֽה
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
סֹבֵ֣א
çâbâʼ
H5433
to imbibe
V-Qal
וְ֭/זוֹלֵל
zâlal
H2151
to shake
Conj | V-Qal
יִוָּרֵ֑שׁ
yârash
H3423
to possess
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
וּ֝/קְרָעִ֗ים
qeraʻ
H7168
rags
Conj | N-mp
תַּלְבִּ֥ישׁ
lâbash
H3847
to clothe
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
נוּמָֽה
nûwmâh
H5124
drowsiness
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:21
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
סֹבֵ֣א
çâbâʼ
H5433
"to imbibe"
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.
וְ֭/זוֹלֵל
zâlal
H2151
"to shake"
Conj | 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.
יִוָּרֵ֑שׁ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
וּ֝/קְרָעִ֗ים
qeraʻ
H7168
"rags"
Conj | N-mp
This noun refers to rags or torn pieces of fabric, often used to describe old or worn-out clothing. In the book of Judges, the prophet Elijah uses this word to describe the state of the Israelites' garments.
Definition: rag, torn pieces of garment or fabric
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: piece, rag. See also: 1 Kings 11:30; 2 Kings 2:12; Proverbs 23:21.
תַּלְבִּ֥ישׁ
lâbash
H3847
"to clothe"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs
To clothe means to wrap something around or put on a garment. In the Bible, it can be used literally or figuratively, as in putting on clothes or being clothed with a certain attitude.
Definition: 1) to dress, wear, clothe, put on clothing, be clothed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put on clothes, be clothed, wear 1a2) to put on, be clothed with (fig.) 1b) (Pual) to be fully clothed 1c) (Hiphil) to clothe, array with, dress Aramaic equivalent: le.vash (לְבֵשׁ "to clothe" H3848)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: (in) apparel, arm, array (self), clothe (self), come upon, put (on, upon), wear. See also: Genesis 3:21; Job 27:17; Psalms 35:26.
נוּמָֽה
nûwmâh
H5124
"drowsiness"
N-fs
This word describes a state of being drowsy or sleepy. It is used in the Bible to talk about feeling tired or sluggish. The KJV translates it as drowsiness.
Definition: drowsiness, somnolence, indolence (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: drowsiness. See also: Proverbs 23:21.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:21
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:21
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:21
Context — Saying 16
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. 23Invest in truth and never sell it— in wisdom and instruction and understanding.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 21:17 | He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich. |
| 2 | Proverbs 19:15 | Laziness brings on deep sleep, and an idle soul will suffer hunger. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 21:20 | and say to the elders, “This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he does not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard.” |
| 4 | Philippians 3:19 | Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. |
| 5 | Galatians 5:21 | and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. |
| 6 | Proverbs 6:9–11 | How long will you lie there, O slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 5:11 | But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 6:10 | nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. |
| 9 | Joel 1:5 | Wake up, you drunkards, and weep; wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth. |
| 10 | Proverbs 24:30–34 | I went past the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking judgment. Thorns had grown up everywhere, thistles had covered the ground, and the stone wall was broken down. I observed and took it to heart; I looked and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. |
Proverbs 23:21 Summary
Proverbs 23:21 warns us that if we give in to excessive drinking or eating, we will end up in poverty and a life of laziness. This verse reminds us that our choices have consequences, and that God wants us to live wisely and self-controlly, as seen in Proverbs 23:20. By avoiding excess and seeking wisdom, we can trust in God's provision and live a life of abundance, as promised in Philippians 4:19. By applying this verse to our lives, we can learn to balance enjoyment with self-control, and live a life that honors God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the consequence of being a drunkard and a glutton according to Proverbs 23:21?
The consequence is poverty and drowsiness, which will lead to a life of rags, as stated in Proverbs 23:21, and this is also supported by Proverbs 21:17, which says that the one who loves pleasure will become poor.
Is it a sin to drink wine or eat meat according to Proverbs 23:20-21?
While drinking wine or eating meat in itself is not a sin, as seen in Deuteronomy 14:26, the Bible warns against excess, as stated in Proverbs 23:20, and the consequences of such excess are highlighted in Proverbs 23:21.
What is the relationship between drowsiness and poverty in Proverbs 23:21?
Drowsiness, or laziness, can lead to poverty, as stated in Proverbs 20:4, and in Proverbs 23:21, it is said that drowsiness will clothe the drunkard and the glutton in rags, indicating a life of neglect and lack of diligence.
How can we apply the warning of Proverbs 23:21 to our lives?
We can apply this warning by being mindful of our habits and avoiding excess, as encouraged in Proverbs 23:20, and instead, seeking wisdom and understanding, as stated in Proverbs 23:23, and trusting in God's provision, as seen in Philippians 4:19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be prone to excess, and how can I apply the wisdom of Proverbs 23:21 to those areas?
- How does the promise of Proverbs 23:21 relate to the concept of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8?
- In what ways can I cultivate self-control and diligence in my life, and how will this impact my spiritual walk?
- What are some biblical principles that can help me balance enjoyment and excess, and how can I apply these principles to my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:21
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty,.... They consuming their substance upon their bellies, in eating and drinking; see Proverbs 21:17; and drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:21
For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:21
Drowsiness; immoderate sleep and idleness, which is a ready a way to poverty as gluttony or drunkenness is.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:21
Proverbs 23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags.Ver. 21. For the drunkard shall come to poverty.] Nay, to eternal misery in hell; but few men fear that; beggary they hold worse than any hell. Per mare pauperiem fugiunt, per saxa, per ignes. But poverty to such is but a prelude to a worse matter. Horat.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:21
(21) Drowsiness, that follows after such debauches.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:21
21. drowsiness] occasioned by excess of meat and drink. Comp. Luke 21:34.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:21
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 23:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Prisoner of Appetite Is Unhealthy Eating a Sin? by Shane Idleman | This sermon addresses the importance of taking care of our bodies and avoiding unhealthy eating habits, focusing on the struggle to resist temptations and the need to prioritize ph |
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Sunday Night Meditations 05 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the well-known story from Luke's Gospel, chapter 15, about a father and his two sons. The younger son represents the average, unregenerate m |
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Drinking - What John R. Rice Wrote About It by John R. Rice | John R. Rice preaches about the curses of alcoholism, emphasizing the woes pronounced on the crown of pride and the drunkards of Ephraim in the Bible. He highlights the detrimental |
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The Price of Pleasure by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the struggle between worldly pleasures and spiritual fulfillment. It warns against being drawn away from |
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The Rich and the Poor Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of not making pleasure our god and seeking fulfillment in material possessions. He warns that those who love pleasure a |
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Lovers of Pleasure Described and Warned. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the dangers of being lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, highlighting how this character is viewed unfavorably by God, as seen in the Bible. H |
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The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the Doctrine of Repentance, emphasizing the essential nature of repentance as a grace of God's Spirit that humbles and reforms sinners. He highlights the |