Proverbs 23:31
Proverbs 23:31 in Multiple Translations
Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, When it sparkleth in the cup, When it goeth down smoothly:
Keep your eyes from looking on the wine when it is red, when its colour is bright in the cup, when it goes smoothly down:
Don't let the look of wine tempt you—how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smooth it feels as it goes down.
Looke not thou vpon the wine, when it is red, and when it sheweth his colour in the cup, or goeth downe pleasantly.
See not wine when it showeth itself red, When it giveth in the cup its colour, It goeth up and down through the upright.
Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth its color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
Look not upon the wine when it is yellow, when the colour thereof shineth in the glass: it goeth in pleasantly,
Do not look with pleasure at red wine that looks nice, and which sparkles when it is poured out into cups, and which tastes good as you drink it,
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 23:31
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 23:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תֵּ֥רֶא
יַיִן֮
כִּ֪י
יִתְאַ֫דָּ֥ם
כִּֽי
יִתֵּ֣ן
ב/כיס
בַּ/כּ֣וֹס
עֵינ֑/וֹ
יִ֝תְהַלֵּ֗ךְ
בְּ/מֵישָׁרִֽים
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תֵּ֥רֶא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
יַיִן֮
yayin
H3196
wine
N-ms
כִּ֪י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִתְאַ֫דָּ֥ם
ʼâdam
H119
to redden
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
ב/כיס
kîyç
H3599
purse
Prep | N-ms
בַּ/כּ֣וֹס
kôwç
H3563
cup
Prep | N-fs
עֵינ֑/וֹ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs | Suff
יִ֝תְהַלֵּ֗ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/מֵישָׁרִֽים
mêyshâr
H4339
uprightness
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 23:31
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תֵּ֥רֶא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
יַיִן֮
yayin
H3196
"wine"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
כִּ֪י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִתְאַ֫דָּ֥ם
ʼâdam
H119
"to redden"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to turn red or flush, often used to describe someone's face. It appears in the Bible to describe people with a ruddy complexion, like David in 1 Samuel 16:12. The word is also used to describe things that are dyed red.
Definition: 1) to be red, red 1a) (Qal) ruddy (of Nazarites) 1b) (Pual) 1b1) to be rubbed red 1b2) dyed red 1b3) reddened 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to show red 1c2) to glare 1c3) to emit (show) redness 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to redden 1d2) to grow red 1d3) to look red
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be (dyed, made) red (ruddy). See also: Exodus 25:5; Exodus 39:34; Proverbs 23:31.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
ב/כיס
kîyç
H3599
"purse"
Prep | N-ms
A purse or bag was used to carry money or weights in ancient times. It was a container made of leather or cloth, used for storing valuables. In the Bible, it is mentioned in the books of Genesis and Zechariah.
Definition: 1) bag, purse 1a) for weights, money
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bag, cup, purse. See also: Deuteronomy 25:13; Proverbs 23:31; Proverbs 1:14.
בַּ/כּ֣וֹס
kôwç
H3563
"cup"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word can mean a cup or a type of owl, possibly due to the owl's unique eye shape. It's often used figuratively, like in Psalm 16:5, where God is the cup that fills our lives. The KJV translates it as 'cup' or 'owl'.
Definition: cup
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cup, (small) owl. Compare H3599 (כִּיס). See also: Genesis 40:11; Proverbs 23:31; Psalms 11:6.
עֵינ֑/וֹ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יִ֝תְהַלֵּ֗ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ/מֵישָׁרִֽים
mêyshâr
H4339
"uprightness"
Prep | N-mp
Uprightness refers to being fair and just, as seen in the Bible. It can also mean smoothness or straightness, often used to describe doing things rightly.
Definition: 1) evenness, uprightness, straightness, equity 1a) evenness, level, smoothness 1b) uprightness, equity 1c) rightly (as adv)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: agreement, aright, that are equal, equity, (things that are) right(-eously, things), sweetly, upright(-ly, -ness). See also: 1 Chronicles 29:17; Proverbs 2:9; Psalms 9:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 23:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 23:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:31
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:31
- Sermons on Proverbs 23:31
Context — Saying 19
29Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks.
31Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.
32In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. 33Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 John 2:16 | For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. |
| 2 | 2 Samuel 11:2 | One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. |
| 3 | Psalms 119:37 | Turn my eyes away from worthless things; revive me with Your word. |
| 4 | Mark 9:47 | And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, |
| 5 | Proverbs 6:25 | Do not lust in your heart for her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. |
| 6 | Job 33:1 | “But now, O Job, hear my speech, and listen to all my words. |
| 7 | Matthew 5:28–30 | But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell. |
Proverbs 23:31 Summary
Proverbs 23:31 warns us not to be tempted by things that may seem appealing at first but can lead to harm, like the attractive appearance of wine. This verse encourages us to be mindful of the potential dangers of certain situations or substances and to choose what is good and pure instead, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8. By being aware of the risks and seeking to honor God with our choices, we can avoid the destructive consequences of overindulgence and sin. This principle can be applied to many areas of life, including our relationships, habits, and priorities, and is supported by biblical teachings such as those found in 1 Corinthians 6:10 and Ephesians 5:18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main warning in Proverbs 23:31?
The main warning in Proverbs 23:31 is to avoid being tempted by the appealing appearance of wine, as it can lead to dangerous and destructive behavior, as seen in Proverbs 23:32-33 and supported by Ephesians 5:18.
Is it a sin to drink wine according to Proverbs 23:31?
While Proverbs 23:31 does not explicitly state that drinking wine is a sin, it cautions against the dangers of being drawn to its appealing appearance, which can lead to overindulgence and sin, as warned in Proverbs 20:1 and 1 Corinthians 6:10.
How can we apply the warning in Proverbs 23:31 to our daily lives?
We can apply the warning in Proverbs 23:31 by being mindful of the potential dangers of tempting situations and substances, and instead choosing to focus on what is good and pure, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8 and 1 Thessalonians 5:23.
What is the significance of the description of wine as 'red' and 'sparkling' in Proverbs 23:31?
The description of wine as 'red' and 'sparkling' in Proverbs 23:31 highlights its appealing appearance, which can tempt people to indulge in it, as also seen in the warning against the allure of sin in James 1:14-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that may seem appealing at first but could potentially lead to harm or destruction, and how can I avoid them?
- How can I cultivate self-control and discernment in my daily choices, especially when faced with tempting situations or substances?
- What are some biblical principles that can guide my decisions about how to navigate potentially tempting situations, and how can I apply them in my life?
- In what ways can I seek to honor God with my choices and actions, especially in areas where I may be tempted to compromise or indulge in harmful behaviors?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 23:31
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red,.... Or, "because it is red" (r); or shows itself red.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 23:31
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red. Do not be caught by its beautiful colour in the glass.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 23:31
Look not thou upon the wine earnestly, so as to inflame thine appetite towards it; in which sense men are forbidden to look upon a woman, . When it is red; which was the colour of the best wines in that country, which therefore are called blood, ; and such were used by them in the passover. When it moveth itself aright; when it sparkleth and frisketh, and seems to smile upon a man.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 23:31
Proverbs 23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, [when] it moveth itself aright.Ver. 31. Look not thou upon the wine.] Many men die of the wound in the eye. It is not unlawful to look; but because of looking comes lusting, therefore laws are to be laid upon our looks; Vitiis nobis in animum per oculos est via, saith Quintilian. If we do not let in sin at the window of the eye, or by the door of the ear, it cannot enter into our hearts. When it moveth itself aright.] When it sparkles, and is vinum cos (as they call the best wine at Paris, and Louvain) that is, Vinum coloris, odoris, saporis, optimi, Wine of the best colour, smell, and savour. Beehive of Rome, Preface.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 23:31
(31) When it giveth its colour.—Or sparkles. When it moveth itself aright.—Or, when it glides easily down the throat.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 23:31
Verse 31. Look not thou upon the wine] Let neither the colour, the odour, the sparkling, &c., of the wine, when poured out, induce thee to drink of it. However good and pure it may be, it will to thee be a snare, because thou art addicted to it, and hast no self-command.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 23:31
31. moveth itself aright] So R.V. marg.; but R.V. text, goeth down smoothly, as the same expression is rendered in Song of Solomon, Son 7:9 [Hebrews 10], A.V. and R.V.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 23:31
31. When it is red — Reddens itself, or becomes ruddy — “ruby wine.” The juice of certain kinds of grapes is red when it ferments and becomes intoxicating. When it giveth his colour — Literally, his eye.
Sermons on Proverbs 23:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Prohibition by Billy Sunday | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative effects of alcohol consumption on society. He highlights the new law passed by Congress, which imposes a two-dollar tax on whisk |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:8-2:35 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of obeying God's commandments, even the seemingly minor ones. He references four passages of scripture that forbid certain act |
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Young People Who Stand for God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a heart that is completely devoted to God. He encourages young people to shift their ambitions to something of eter |
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I Made a Covenant With Mine Eyes by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, Brother Higham emphasizes the importance of making covenants with our eyes to avoid sinful influences. He encourages the congregation to avoid consuming filth throu |
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All Satan's Apples Have Worms by John R. Rice | John R. Rice preaches about the consequences of following Satan's deceitful promises, using the story of the prodigal son to illustrate how all of the Devil's apples have worms. He |
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The Great Sin (Reading) by C.S. Lewis | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of pride and conceit in the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for repentance and seeking the Lord |
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(So Great a Salvation) Overcoming the World by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker recounts an encounter with a young man at a retreat center. The young man expresses his desire to have victory in his life but admits that he often fail |