Proverbs 23:31 kjv

Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

Proverbs 23:31 nkjv

Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly;

Proverbs 23:31 niv

Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!

Proverbs 23:31 esv

Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.

Proverbs 23:31 nlt

Don't gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is,
how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.

Proverbs 23 verses

Proverbs 23 31 Meaning

Proverbs 23:31 issues a stern warning against yielding to the seductive appearance of intoxicating wine. It cautions against even looking upon wine that glistens with an appealing reddish hue and goes down effortlessly, implying that such an enticing outward presentation conceals destructive inward effects. The verse highlights the deceptive nature of sin, where initial pleasantness can mask severe future consequences, specifically focusing on the danger of intemperance and drunkenness.

Proverbs 23 31 Context

Proverbs 23:31 is part of a larger section (verses 29-35) within the book of Proverbs specifically detailing the woes and dangers of drunkenness. The broader chapter emphasizes the importance of wisdom and discipline, contrasting the path of the righteous with the destructive consequences of folly and unbridled desires. This verse serves as a crucial point, introducing the direct physical and social calamities that follow from succumbing to the temptation of strong drink. Historically and culturally, wine was a common beverage in ancient Israel, consumed both moderately and in excess. The Wisdom Literature, like Proverbs, acknowledged its presence but strongly warned against its misuse, especially concerning its intoxicating effects that lead to moral and physical degradation. This particular warning speaks to the universal human experience of being lured by something visually appealing that carries hidden peril, echoing a theme against the worship of material pleasures and immediate gratification over long-term well-being and righteousness.

Proverbs 23 31 Word analysis

• Do not look (אַל-תֵּרֶא, al-tere): This is a strong negative command, literally meaning "do not see" or "do not gaze." It implies more than a casual glance; it refers to gazing with desire, contemplating, or allowing one's eyes to linger and draw one into temptation. It highlights that the process of succumbing to sin often begins with the eyes and the mind.
• wine (יָיִן, yayin): The common Hebrew term for fermented grape beverage. It represents alcoholic drink generally. The warning is not against grape juice, but against the intoxicating quality of fermented wine.
• when it is red (בַּחֲרִי, bachari): Signifies a rich, deep color, often associated with a potent or strong wine. This color, rather than signaling danger, makes it appear attractive and desirable.
• when it sparkles (כִּי יִתְאַדָּם, ki yit'addem): The word here can mean to "be red," "flash," or "sparkle," specifically when agitated or poured. It conveys a lively, alluring shimmer or a visual appeal in the cup, suggesting effervescence or how it catches the light, making it seem alive and inviting. Some interpretations note the rising bubbles in fermentation.
• in the cup (בַּכּוֹס, bakos): Emphasizes the immediate availability and the act of preparation for drinking. The temptation is right before one's eyes, ready for consumption.
• and goes down smoothly (מֵישָׁרִים, meysharim / יִתְיַשֵּׁר, yityashshar): This phrase describes the ease and pleasantness with which the drink is swallowed. It seems harmless, delightful, and devoid of any immediate unpleasant sensation. This smoothness hides its capacity for harm and represents the deceptive initial appeal of temptation before its destructive effects manifest. It suggests the absence of any bitter taste that might warn against excess.

Words-group analysis

• "Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup": This phrase collectively depicts the visual and sensory enticement of the wine. It emphasizes how outward appearance, specifically its color and glistening quality, can captivate and draw one in. The prohibition "do not look" stresses the need for vigilance against the very first step of temptation—the lingering gaze that ignites desire. It underlines the principle that self-control often begins by avoiding situations or objects that could become stumbling blocks.
• "and goes down smoothly": This phrase underscores the deceptive pleasantness of the initial consumption. It feels easy and agreeable to drink, giving no immediate warning of the deep-seated problems it will later cause. This "smoothness" makes it easier to consume in excess, thereby leading one deeper into its destructive power, described in the subsequent verses as biting like a serpent.

Proverbs 23 31 Bonus section

The strong emphasis on the visual aspect ("do not look," "red," "sparkles") reveals a key insight into how temptation operates. Often, the path to unrighteousness begins with allowing the eyes to dwell on something enticing, rather than immediately turning away. This visual contemplation can ignite desire, which then, unchecked, can lead to action. This concept aligns with broader biblical teachings that counsel vigilance over one's senses and thoughts, recognizing them as crucial gateways for either good or evil influences. While wine can be used positively in Scripture (e.g., in celebrations or for medicinal purposes, as suggested by some interpretations of 1 Tim 5:23), Proverbs 23:31 specifically targets the desire for its intoxicating effect, warning against the intoxicating desire itself, not against temperate consumption. The danger lies in seeking the pleasure of losing control, rather than enjoying creation with a clear mind and self-control.

Proverbs 23 31 Commentary

Proverbs 23:31 provides profound insight into the nature of temptation and sin, using the example of wine. The primary instruction, "Do not look," targets the origin of desire, revealing that the battle against harmful indulgence often begins in the mind and through the senses. The verse does not explicitly condemn wine itself, but the allure of wine when it appears most potent and pleasant, which typically signals its intoxicating nature. The description "red," "sparkles," and "goes down smoothly" highlights sin's deceptive marketing strategy: it promises immediate gratification and pleasure, making itself irresistible through appealing sensory cues. This outward beauty and effortless consumption mask its hidden, destructive power, which the subsequent verses vividly detail. Therefore, this verse is a call to discernment, urging believers to see beyond superficial appearances and recognize the latent dangers that lie within enticing temptations, ultimately promoting self-control and wisdom in all areas of life. For instance, like recognizing that a seemingly "easy money" scheme may hide legal and moral pitfalls, or that gossip, though initially satisfying to share, carries destructive consequences for relationships.