Proverbs 23:34 - Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging:

Generated Verse: Proverbs 23:34

What does "Proverbs 23:34" mean?


This verse in Proverbs 23:34 is a vivid and somewhat unsettling description of the effects of drunkenness. Let's break it down:

"Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea..."

This imagery depicts someone completely lost, disoriented, and vulnerable. Imagine someone passed out or unable to stay afloat in the vast ocean. They have no control, are at the mercy of the waves, and are in grave danger of drowning. This represents the loss of control and peril one experiences when drunk.

"...or as he who lies on top of the rigging:"

The rigging is the network of ropes and cables that support a ship's sails. Lying precariously on top of it, especially while drunk, is incredibly dangerous. One wrong move and the person could fall to their death. This part of the verse underscores the instability, recklessness, and potential for disaster associated with intoxication.

In summary, the verse is a poetic way of saying that a drunk person:

Loses control and becomes vulnerable.
Is disoriented and lacks judgment.
Puts themselves in dangerous and precarious situations.

The broader context of Proverbs 23 reinforces this: The chapter warns against the dangers of excessive drinking, highlighting the pain, sorrow, contention, and ultimately the loss of self-control that it brings. The verse in question is a particularly striking image that emphasizes the chaotic and risky state of a drunk person.