Proverbs 23:30 is part of a larger warning against drunkenness found in Proverbs 23:29-35. Let's break down the meaning of the verse in its context:
"Those who stay long at the wine...": This phrase refers to people who linger excessively over alcohol. They are not just having a social drink; they are habitually spending a lot of time drinking. The emphasis is on the prolonged, intentional indulgence in wine.
"...those who go to seek out mixed wine.": This describes those who actively look for or crave stronger or more exotic alcoholic beverages. "Mixed wine" could refer to:
Spiced wine: Wine mixed with spices to enhance its flavor and potency.
Imported or expensive wine: Suggesting a desire for luxury and a willingness to go to great lengths for pleasure.
Adulterated wine: Wine that has been altered with other ingredients to increase its alcoholic content or create a stronger effect. This meaning speaks to a desire for more than just regular wine offers.
Overall Meaning:
The verse paints a picture of individuals obsessed with alcohol. They are not casual drinkers; they are actively seeking out ways to intensify their intoxication. They are characterized by:
Addiction: Spending excessive time consuming alcohol
Escapism: Seeking oblivion through alcohol
Excess: A desire for the strongest possible drink
Folly: Making poor decisions due to their preoccupation with drinking
This verse serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of overindulgence in alcohol and the destructive consequences of a life centered around intoxication. The verses following 23:30 in Proverbs 23 detail these consequences: red eyes, wounds without cause, sorrow, contention, and ultimately, a loss of control and self-respect.
Proverbs 23:30 is part of a larger warning against drunkenness found in Proverbs 23:29-35. Let's break down the meaning of the verse in its context:
"Those who stay long at the wine...": This phrase refers to people who linger excessively over alcohol. They are not just having a social drink; they are habitually spending a lot of time drinking. The emphasis is on the prolonged, intentional indulgence in wine.
"...those who go to seek out mixed wine.": This describes those who actively look for or crave stronger or more exotic alcoholic beverages. "Mixed wine" could refer to:
Spiced wine: Wine mixed with spices to enhance its flavor and potency.
Imported or expensive wine: Suggesting a desire for luxury and a willingness to go to great lengths for pleasure.
Adulterated wine: Wine that has been altered with other ingredients to increase its alcoholic content or create a stronger effect. This meaning speaks to a desire for more than just regular wine offers.
Overall Meaning:
The verse paints a picture of individuals obsessed with alcohol. They are not casual drinkers; they are actively seeking out ways to intensify their intoxication. They are characterized by:
Addiction: Spending excessive time consuming alcohol
Escapism: Seeking oblivion through alcohol
Excess: A desire for the strongest possible drink
Folly: Making poor decisions due to their preoccupation with drinking
This verse serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of overindulgence in alcohol and the destructive consequences of a life centered around intoxication. The verses following 23:30 in Proverbs 23 detail these consequences: red eyes, wounds without cause, sorrow, contention, and ultimately, a loss of control and self-respect.