Proverbs 23:32

32 but in the end, it bites like a serpent -yes, it strikes like a poisonous snake.

Proverbs 23:32 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 23:32

At the last it biteth like a serpent
Though it goes down sweetly, yet it leaves a sting behind it, intemperately drank; a nausea in the stomach, a stink in the breath, pains and giddiness in the head, weakness in the eyes, trembling in the members of the body, palsy, gout, and other distempers, very painful and grievous to be bore; and, what is worse, if the conscience is awakened, sharp and cutting reflections there; and, without true repentance, torments intolerable in the world to come; and stingeth like an adder;
or "spreads" ^F21, or separates and scatters; that is, its poison. So the Vulgate Latin version, "diffuseth poisons as a basilisk", or "cockatrice"; the Targum and Syriac version,

``as a serpent which flies;''

it signifies the same as before.

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 (vrpy) "jecur diffindet", Schultens.

Proverbs 23:32 In-Context

30 Those who spend their time over wine, those always trying out mixed drinks.

31 Don't gaze at the red wine as it gives its color to the cup. It may glide down smoothly now;

32 but in the end, it bites like a serpent -yes, it strikes like a poisonous snake.

33 Your eyes will see peculiar things, your mind will utter nonsense.

34 You will feel as if lying on the waves of the sea or sprawled on top of the mast -