Proverbs - 23:20



20 Don't be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat:

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Proverbs 23:20.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
Be not among winebibbers, Among gluttonous eaters of flesh:
Be not in the feasts of great drinkers, nor in their revellings, who contribute flesh to eat:
Be not among wine-bibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:
Be not thou among quaffers of wine, Among gluttonous ones of flesh,
Do not be among those who give themselves to wine-drinking, or among those who make themselves full with meat:
Do not be willing to be in the feasts of great drinkers, nor in the carousings of those who gather to feed on flesh.

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

Riotous eaters of flesh - The word is the same as "glutton" in Proverbs 23:21 and Deuteronomy 21:20.

Be not among winebibbers - There is much of this chapter spent in giving directions concerning eating, drinking, and entertainments in general.
1. he pupil is directed relative to the manner in which he is to conduct himself in his visits to the tables of the rich and great.
2. Relative to the covetous and his intercourse with them. And
3. To public entertainnlents, where there were generally riot and debauch.
The reasons, says Calmet, which induced the wise man to give these directions were,
1. The useless expense.
2. The loss of time.
3. The danger from bad company. And
4. The danger of contracting irregular habits, and of being induced to lead a voluptuous and effeminate life.

Be not amongst winebibbers,.... Who drink to excess, otherwise wine may be drank, provided moderation is used; but it is not good to be in company with, excessive drinkers of it, lost a habit of excessive drinking should be acquired;
among riotous eaters of flesh; flesh may be lawfully eaten, but not in a riotous manner, so as to indulge to gluttony and surfeiting; nor should such persons be kept company with that do so, lest their ways should be learned and imitated.

riotous . . . flesh--prodigal, or eating more than necessary. Instead of "their flesh" (compare Margin), better, "flesh to them," that is, used for pleasure.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


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