Proverbs 23:20

20 Be not among 1drunkards[a] or among 2gluttonous eaters of meat,

Proverbs 23:20 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 23:20

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.

Proverbs 23:20 In-Context

18 Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
19 Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.
20 Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat,
21 for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags
22 Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Cross References 2

  • 1. [ver. 29, 30; Isaiah 5:11, 22; Matthew 24:49; Luke 21:34; Romans 13:13; Ephesians 5:18]
  • 2. Proverbs 28:7

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Hebrew those who drink too much wine
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.