Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Original Language Analysis
לֵ֣ץ
is a mocker
H3887
לֵ֣ץ
is a mocker
Strong's:
H3887
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to make mouths at, i.e., to scoff; hence (from the effort to pronounce a foreign language) to interpret, or (generally) intercede
הֹמֶ֣ה
is raging
H1993
הֹמֶ֣ה
is raging
Strong's:
H1993
Word #:
3 of 9
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שֹׁ֥גֶה
and whosoever is deceived
H7686
שֹׁ֥גֶה
and whosoever is deceived
Strong's:
H7686
Word #:
6 of 9
to stray (causatively, mislead), usually (figuratively) to mistake, especially (morally) to transgress; by extension (through the idea of intoxication
Cross References
Hosea 4:11Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;Isaiah 28:7But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment.Proverbs 31:4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:1 Corinthians 6:10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.Galatians 5:21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.2 Samuel 11:13And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house.Isaiah 5:22Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:Isaiah 56:12Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.Hosea 7:5In the day of our king the princes have made him sick with bottles of wine; he stretched out his hand with scorners.
Historical Context
Wine and beer were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, consumed with meals and in celebrations. Yet drunkenness was recognized as dangerous, particularly for leaders who needed clear judgment (Proverbs 31:4-5). Biblical teaching permits moderate use while condemning drunkenness (Ephesians 5:18). The principle: don't be controlled by substances that impair wisdom and self-control.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you use alcohol (or other substances) wisely and moderately, or do they exercise any controlling influence over you?
- How can you guard against deception in areas where pleasure promises satisfaction but delivers harm?
Analysis & Commentary
This proverb warns against alcohol abuse: 'Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.' Wine (yayin) and strong drink (shekhar—beer or fermented drink) are personified as 'mocker' and 'raging.' They deceive, promising pleasure while delivering foolishness and loss of control. Those 'deceived' by alcohol lack wisdom. The verse doesn't absolutely prohibit alcohol (Scripture permits moderate use) but warns against its deceptive power. Proverbs repeatedly cautions about drunkenness (23:20-21, 29-35; 31:4-5). The warning recognizes alcohol's capacity to impair judgment and lead to destructive behavior.