Meaning of Proverbs 23:20

This verse from Proverbs, "Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat," serves as a direct admonition against excessive indulgence in food and drink, a common snare of the ancient world and a persistent challenge throughout human history. The author of Proverbs, traditionally Solomon, is offering practical wisdom for living a life that honors God and leads to well-being. The "drink too much wine" (Hebrew: saba yain) refers to excessive consumption, not necessarily complete abstinence, and "gorge themselves on meat" (Hebrew: sabo basar) describes gluttony, the overconsumption of food to the point of surfeit. This prohibition is rooted in the understanding that such excesses lead to poor judgment, financial ruin, health problems, and a disordered life, all of which detract from the pursuit of wisdom and righteousness.

Context and Background

Proverbs is a book of wisdom literature, designed to impart practical guidance for daily life, ethical conduct, and the fear of the Lord. The verses surrounding Proverbs 23:20 often deal with the dangers of the reckless, the foolish, and those who succumb to immediate gratification. The ancient Near East, like many societies, had its share of revelry and feasting, which could easily devolve into debauchery. Wine was a common beverage, often diluted, but its potent effects when consumed immoderately were well-known. Similarly, meat, a more prized commodity than grains or vegetables, represented a significant indulgence when eaten in excess. The proverb is thus a cautionary note against aligning oneself with people whose lifestyle is characterized by uncontrolled appetites.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes are temperance, self-control, and wise association. The verse directly advises against emulating those who lack discipline over their physical desires. This is not a call to asceticism but to moderation, recognizing that excess in any area, particularly food and drink, can lead to ruin. It highlights the corrupting influence of bad company; associating with gluttons and drunkards makes one susceptible to their habits and their consequences. The underlying message is that true wisdom involves mastering one's impulses rather than being mastered by them.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse speaks to the importance of stewardship of the body, which is considered a temple of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Excessive indulgence can cloud spiritual discernment, hinder prayer, and create a spiritual dullness that distracts from the pursuit of God. It also speaks to the broader biblical principle of living a life set apart from the ungodly patterns of the world. The believer is called to exercise self-control, which is listed as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), demonstrating a transformation that impacts even basic physical appetites.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The principle of moderation and self-control extends throughout Scripture. The Old Testament prophets often condemned Israel's excesses and their accompanying moral decay. The New Testament reiterates this call, with Paul urging believers to live soberly and righteously (Titus 2:11-12). The dangers of drunkenness are explicitly warned against in various passages (e.g., Ephesians 5:18). Furthermore, the concept of being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14) resonates with the idea of not associating with those whose lifestyles are contrary to godly principles, as suggested in Proverbs 23:20.

Analogies

One might consider this advice akin to choosing one's diet wisely. Just as a balanced diet nourishes the body and promotes health, moderation in eating and drinking fosters a clear mind and a healthy life. Conversely, a diet of constant junk food, while temporarily satisfying, leads to long-term health problems. Similarly, associating with those who indulge in excess is like choosing to eat only junk food – it may seem appealing in the moment but ultimately leads to a detrimental outcome. Another analogy is that of a disciplined athlete who avoids habits that would hinder their performance; believers are called to a spiritual discipline that requires guarding against things that impair their walk with God.

Relation to Other Verses

Proverbs 23:21 directly follows, stating, "for drunkards and gluttons come to poverty, and drowsiness clothes them in rags." This reinforces the negative consequences outlined in verse 20. Other related verses include:

• Proverbs 20:1: "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise."
• 1 Corinthians 6:10: "...nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
• Galatians 5:19-21: Lists "sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these." This passage clearly categorizes drunkenness and gluttony (implied in orgies) as works of the flesh that are contrary to the Spirit.