Proverbs 23:31
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 11
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תֵּ֥רֶא
Look
H7200
תֵּ֥רֶא
Look
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 11
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
יַיִן֮
not thou upon the wine
H3196
יַיִן֮
not thou upon the wine
Strong's:
H3196
Word #:
3 of 11
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִתְאַ֫דָּ֥ם
when it is red
H119
יִתְאַ֫דָּ֥ם
when it is red
Strong's:
H119
Word #:
5 of 11
to show blood (in the face), i.e., flush or turn rosy
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִתֵּ֣ן
when it giveth
H5414
יִתֵּ֣ן
when it giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 11
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בַּכּ֣יֹס
in the cup
H3563
בַּכּ֣יֹס
in the cup
Strong's:
H3563
Word #:
8 of 11
a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)
עֵינ֑וֹ
his colour
H5869
עֵינ֑וֹ
his colour
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
9 of 11
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
1 John 2:16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.Psalms 119:37Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.2 Samuel 11:2And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
Historical Context
Wine production was sophisticated in the ancient world, producing attractive and palatable beverages. The warning isn't about wine's appearance but about being seduced by momentary appeal while ignoring consequences.
Questions for Reflection
- What sins entice you through attractive appearance while hiding destructive consequences?
- How can you train yourself to see past surface appeal to spiritual reality?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
'Look not thou upon the wine when it is red'—don't be enticed by wine's appealing appearance and smoothness. The verse describes wine's attractiveness: red color, sparkle in the cup, smooth taste. But verse 32 warns of the result: it 'biteth like a serpent.' Don't be deceived by initial pleasure; consider the outcome. This applies beyond alcohol to all sin—it appears attractive but delivers death. The serpent metaphor recalls Eden's deception. Sin promises satisfaction but brings bondage and destruction. Believers must look beyond immediate gratification to ultimate consequences. Train yourself to see sin's ugliness beneath attractive packaging. Develop taste for righteousness rather than being enticed by evil's superficial appeal.