Proverbs 23:21 kjv

For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

Proverbs 23:21 nkjv

For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags.

Proverbs 23:21 niv

for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Proverbs 23:21 esv

for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.

Proverbs 23:21 nlt

for they are on their way to poverty,
and too much sleep clothes them in rags.

Proverbs 23 verses

Proverbs 23 21 Meaning

Proverbs 23:21 concisely articulates the severe and inevitable consequences of habitual overindulgence and laziness. It teaches that individuals who are perpetually given to excessive drinking and gluttonous eating will ultimately suffer economic destitution. Furthermore, the verse warns that a spirit of lethargy and idleness, often a result or companion of such indulgence, will lead to visible poverty and social disgrace, symbolizing one clothed in tattered garments. The core message underscores the principle of cause and effect within divine wisdom: sinful habits have destructive natural outcomes.

Proverbs 23 21 Context

Proverbs chapter 23 belongs to a larger section (chapters 22:17-24:34) known as the "Sayings of the Wise." This particular verse (23:21) immediately follows an admonition in verse 20 against associating with gluttons and drunkards. The fatherly instruction often characteristic of Proverbs warns the son to cultivate wisdom and self-discipline, specifically highlighting vices like intemperance and idleness.

In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, hard work, discipline, and wise stewardship of resources were vital for survival and prosperity in an agrarian society. Drunkenness and gluttony were not merely personal vices; they had direct and severe societal implications, leading to economic ruin, shame for the family, and potential for crime. Polemics are implied against any cultural attitudes that might excuse or normalize such excess, presenting a stark contrast between the wisdom tradition and lifestyles of unbridled self-indulgence. The warnings here serve to protect the young from habits that lead to physical and financial ruin, aligning with broader biblical principles of responsible living.

Proverbs 23 21 Word analysis

• For (כִּי, kī): This conjunction serves as an explanatory link, introducing the reason or consequence for the warning given in the preceding verse (23:20) not to associate with drunkards and gluttons. It signifies a direct causal relationship.
• the drunkard (סוֹבֵא, sōḇêʾ): Derived from the verb "to drink deeply" or "to gulp down." This term does not refer to someone who occasionally drinks, but rather a habitual drunkard, one given over to alcohol, characterized by excess and lack of self-control. This state often led to neglect of duties and poor judgment.
• and the glutton (זֹלֵל, zōlēl): From a root meaning "to squander," "to be worthless," or "to despise." It describes not just someone who eats a lot, but one who indulges excessively, wastes resources through consumption, and lives riotously. It carries a strong connotation of prodigality and moral dissipation, often paired with "drunkard" to represent a life of unrestrained appetite.
• shall come to poverty (וְרָשׁ יֵרָשׁ, wə-rāš yêrāš): Literally, "and be poor, he will be poor," or "shall certainly be impoverished." This emphasizes the inevitability and certainty of the consequence. Poverty here is the direct, logical outcome of resources being squandered on excessive food and drink, rather than being managed wisely for sustenance and future security.
• and drowsiness (וּתְנוּמָה, ū·ṯənūmāh): Refers to a state of lethargy, dozing, or light slumber, typically arising from excessive indulgence, physical sluggishness, and lack of ambition or self-discipline. It represents a dullness or passivity that leads to negligence of responsibilities and a lack of diligence. It's often linked with ‘atslāh (sloth).
• shall clothe a man with rags (וּקְרָעִים תַּלְבִּישׁ, ū·qə·rā·‘îm talbîš): Literally, "and torn clothes will dress (a man)." This is vivid, metaphorical language. "Rags" (קְרָעִים, qəra‘îm) signifies utterly tattered and worthless garments, symbolizing extreme destitution and public shame. The imagery of "clothing" implies that poverty and disgrace will fully envelop or define the person, becoming their outward identifier.

• "The drunkard and the glutton": This phrase groups together two vices that fundamentally represent a lack of self-control and an unbridled pursuit of fleshly pleasure. These are vices of consumption that lead to physical, mental, and spiritual dissipation, directly depleting one's resources and ability to work productively.
• "Shall come to poverty... shall clothe a man with rags": These two parallel clauses emphasize the twofold consequence: internal financial ruin ("come to poverty") and external manifest disgrace/destitution ("clothe a man with rags"). They paint a complete picture of decline from wasteful living, culminating in both material loss and public ignominy. The consequences are shown to be visible and undeniable.

Proverbs 23 21 Bonus section

This proverb, though speaking in tangible terms of wealth and clothing, points to deeper spiritual principles. Uncontrolled desires for food and drink are often indicative of a deeper spiritual void or a lack of surrender to divine control. The "drowsiness" can symbolize not just physical lethargy but also spiritual complacency or dullness, preventing one from being "awake" to righteous living and the Spirit's leading. The principle extends beyond literal food and drink to any form of excessive, unrestrained indulgence—whether in entertainment, material possessions, or pleasure—that drains resources, distracts from responsibility, and ultimately leads to a state of spiritual impoverishment or moral destitution. It is a timeless call for moderation, discipline, and active engagement with one's God-given duties and callings.

Proverbs 23 21 Commentary

Proverbs 23:21 delivers a profound warning against the pitfalls of uncontrolled appetite and idleness, presenting them as direct conduits to material and social ruin. The passage is not merely a piece of practical economic advice; it embeds a foundational biblical principle that wisdom involves disciplined living and responsible stewardship. Indulgence in drunkenness and gluttony is portrayed as more than just a character flaw; it is a pathway to self-inflicted impoverishment. Such excesses naturally consume resources, dull the mind, sap motivation, and render a person unable or unwilling to work diligently. The resulting "drowsiness" or lethargy prevents industriousness, leading inevitably to poverty. The ultimate visual of "rags" symbolizes a complete and utter loss of dignity and societal standing, demonstrating the visible disgrace associated with a life of dissipation. This verse reinforces the direct correlation between sinful, undisciplined habits and tangible, negative life outcomes, advocating for temperance, diligence, and prudent living as paths to stability and flourishing according to God's wisdom.