Proverbs 23:32

32 At the last it bites like a snake, And poisons like a viper.

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 Those who stay long at the wine; Those who go to seek out mixed wine.
31 Don't look at the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly:
32 At the last it bites like a snake, And poisons like a viper.
33 Your eyes will see strange things, And your mind will imagine confusing things.
34 Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or as he who lies on top of the rigging:
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