Proverbs 23:32

32 But at last stretches himself out as one smitten by a serpent, and venom is diffused through him as by a horned serpent.

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.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F21 (vrpy) "jecur diffindet", Schultens.

Proverbs 23:32 In-Context

30 Are not those of them that stay long at wine? not of them that haunt where banquets are? Be not drunk with wine; but converse with just men, and converse openly.

31 For if thou shouldest set thine eyes on bowls and cups, thou shalt afterwards go more naked than a pestle.

32 But at last stretches himself out as one smitten by a serpent, and venom is diffused through him as by a horned serpent.

33 Whenever thine eyes shall behold a strange woman, then thy mouth shall speak perverse things.

34 And thou shalt lie as in the midst of the sea, and as a pilot in a great storm.