Proverbs 23:20
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תְּהִ֥י
H1961
תְּהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
יָ֑יִן
Be not among winebibbers
H3196
יָ֑יִן
Be not among winebibbers
Strong's:
H3196
Word #:
4 of 7
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
בְּזֹלֲלֵ֖י
among riotous eaters
H2151
בְּזֹלֲלֵ֖י
among riotous eaters
Strong's:
H2151
Word #:
5 of 7
figuratively, to be loose morally, worthless or prodigal
Cross References
Ephesians 5:18And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;Luke 21:34And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.Isaiah 5:22Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:Romans 13:13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.Matthew 24:49And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;Isaiah 22:13And behold joy and gladness, slaying oxen, and killing sheep, eating flesh, and drinking wine: let us eat and drink; for to morrow we shall die.Isaiah 5:11Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!Proverbs 28:7Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.Proverbs 20:1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.Luke 15:13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
Historical Context
Drunkenness and gluttony were consistently condemned in Scripture as lacking self-control. Roman culture's notorious excess made this warning particularly relevant for early Christians.
Questions for Reflection
- Do your close friendships reinforce godliness or pull you toward worldly indulgence?
- What relationships might you need to distance from to protect your pursuit of holiness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Be not among winebibbers' and 'riotous eaters of flesh' warns against association with drunkards and gluttons. Such people pursue sensual indulgence, making pleasure ultimate. The warning isn't merely about substances but about character—those who organize life around gratification demonstrate spiritual bankruptcy. Believers must not form close bonds with such people or adopt their values. While we engage sinners evangelistically, we don't embrace their lifestyles or make them our intimate companions. Paul echoes this: 'Bad company corrupts good character' (1 Corinthians 15:33). Friendship shapes character; choosing companions wisely is essential to pursuing godliness. Avoid those whose lives center on fleshly indulgence.