Proverbs 23:31 - Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Proverbs 23:31" mean?
Proverbs 23:31, "Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly," is a warning against the allure of alcohol and its potential to lead to ruin. Let's break it down:
"Don't look at the wine when it is red...": This is an appeal to resist temptation at the first sign. Red wine, particularly in the ancient world, was considered a choice or higher-quality wine. The verse advises against even admiring the appearance of the wine. The implication is that once you start admiring it, you're already on a slippery slope.
"...when it sparkles in the cup...": This refers to the wine's attractive appearance. Sparkling wine, or simply wine with good clarity, might have been seen as more desirable. It highlights the allure and attraction that alcohol can have, suggesting that it is something special and desirable.
"...when it goes down smoothly": This points to the pleasant sensation of drinking wine, especially in the beginning. The verse warns against being seduced by the easy, agreeable taste, because that seemingly harmless pleasure can quickly turn into dependence and destructive behavior. The smooth taste masks the potential for harm.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Don't be fooled by the initial attractiveness of alcohol. It may look appealing and taste good at first, but this is a deceptive facade.
Resist temptation from the start. Don't even allow yourself to dwell on the appealing aspects of alcohol because it can lead to poor choices and ultimately harm.
Focus on the long-term consequences. The immediate pleasure of drinking can quickly lead to addiction, health problems, financial ruin, and strained relationships, as highlighted in the verses following this one.
The overall message of Proverbs 23:29-35 is a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive drinking. This verse is a key part of that message, emphasizing the need for self-control and wisdom when it comes to alcohol. It's a warning against being seduced by the immediate pleasures of intoxication.
Proverbs 23:31 - Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.
What does "Proverbs 23:31" mean?
Proverbs 23:31, "Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly," is a warning against the allure of alcohol and its potential to lead to ruin. Let's break it down:
"Don't look at the wine when it is red...": This is an appeal to resist temptation at the first sign. Red wine, particularly in the ancient world, was considered a choice or higher-quality wine. The verse advises against even admiring the appearance of the wine. The implication is that once you start admiring it, you're already on a slippery slope.
"...when it sparkles in the cup...": This refers to the wine's attractive appearance. Sparkling wine, or simply wine with good clarity, might have been seen as more desirable. It highlights the allure and attraction that alcohol can have, suggesting that it is something special and desirable.
"...when it goes down smoothly": This points to the pleasant sensation of drinking wine, especially in the beginning. The verse warns against being seduced by the easy, agreeable taste, because that seemingly harmless pleasure can quickly turn into dependence and destructive behavior. The smooth taste masks the potential for harm.
In essence, the verse is saying:
Don't be fooled by the initial attractiveness of alcohol. It may look appealing and taste good at first, but this is a deceptive facade.
Resist temptation from the start. Don't even allow yourself to dwell on the appealing aspects of alcohol because it can lead to poor choices and ultimately harm.
Focus on the long-term consequences. The immediate pleasure of drinking can quickly lead to addiction, health problems, financial ruin, and strained relationships, as highlighted in the verses following this one.
The overall message of Proverbs 23:29-35 is a cautionary tale about the dangers of excessive drinking. This verse is a key part of that message, emphasizing the need for self-control and wisdom when it comes to alcohol. It's a warning against being seduced by the immediate pleasures of intoxication.