Proverbs 31:4
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
Original Language Analysis
אַ֤ל
H408
אַ֤ל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 10
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
לְֽמוֹאֵ֗ל
O Lemuel
H3927
לְֽמוֹאֵ֗ל
O Lemuel
Strong's:
H3927
Word #:
3 of 10
lemuel or lemoel, possibly a symbolic name of solomon
אַ֣ל
H408
אַ֣ל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 10
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
וּ֝לְרוֹזְנִ֗ים
princes
H7336
וּ֝לְרוֹזְנִ֗ים
princes
Strong's:
H7336
Word #:
8 of 10
probably to be heavy, i.e., (figuratively) honorable
Cross References
Proverbs 20:1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.Isaiah 5:22Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:Ecclesiastes 10:17Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!Habakkuk 2:5Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people:Esther 3:15The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern kings often drank heavily, leading to poor decisions and moral failures. Biblical examples include Noah (Genesis 9:21), Lot (Genesis 19:32-35), and Belshazzar (Daniel 5). God's wisdom protected kings from this trap.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you avoid substances or habits that impair your judgment and effectiveness?
- How does responsibility increase the need for sobriety and clear thinking?
- What 'strong drink' (literal or metaphorical) threatens to compromise your calling?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
It is 'not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink.' The Hebrew 'yayin' (wine) and 'shekar' (strong drink/beer) should be avoided by rulers. Alcohol impairs judgment, making it particularly dangerous for those making important decisions. Reformed theology doesn't necessarily mandate total abstinence but warns against alcohol's dangers, especially for leaders. Clear thinking is essential for godly governance. This principle applies to all intoxicants and anything that clouds judgment or creates addiction.