New International Version Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise. New Living Translation Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise. English Standard Version Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Berean Standard Bible Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Berean Literal Bible Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and anyone led astray by it is not wise. King James Bible Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. New King James Version Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. New American Standard Bible Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. NASB 1995 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. NASB 1977 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. Legacy Standard Bible Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Amplified Bible Wine is a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler; And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise. Berean Annotated Bible Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Christian Standard Bible Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler; whoever goes astray because of them is not wise. Holman Christian Standard Bible Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler, and whoever staggers because of them is not wise. American Standard Version Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise. Contemporary English Version It isn't smart to get drunk! Drinking makes a fool of you and leads to fights. English Revised Version Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whosoever erreth thereby is not wise. GOD'S WORD® Translation Wine [makes people] mock, liquor [makes them] noisy, and everyone under their influence is unwise. Good News Translation Drinking too much makes you loud and foolish. It's stupid to get drunk. International Standard Version Wine causes mocking, and beer causes fights; everyone led astray by them lacks wisdom. NET Bible Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes astray by them is not wise. New Heart English Bible Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Webster's Bible Translation Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoever is deceived by it is not wise. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. World English Bible Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWine [is] a scorner—strong drink [is] noisy, "" And any going astray in it is not wise. Berean Literal Bible Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and anyone led astray by it is not wise. Young's Literal Translation Wine is a scorner -- strong drink is noisy, And any going astray in it is not wise. Smith's Literal Translation Wine is mocking, strong drink is noisy: and every one going astray by it will not be wise. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWine is a luxurious thing, and drunkenness riotous: whosoever is delighted therewith shell not be wise. Catholic Public Domain Version It is a luxurious thing, wine, and inebriation is tumultuous. Anyone who is delighted by this will not be wise. New American Bible Wine is arrogant, strong drink is riotous; none who are intoxicated by them are wise. New Revised Standard Version Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWINE is grievous, drunkenness is shameful; and whosoever drinks excessively is not wise. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Wine is strong and drunkenness is disgraceful, and no one that is excessive in it is wise. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Wine is a mocker, strong drink is riotous; And whosoever reeleth thereby is not wise. Brenton Septuagint Translation Wine is an intemperate thing, and strong drink full of violence: but every fool is entangled with them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Wine is a Mocker1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. 2The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.… Cross References Wine is a mocker, Proverbs 23:31-35 Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. / In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. / Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities. … Isaiah 28:7-8 These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments. / For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth. Hosea 4:11 to promiscuity, wine, and new wine, which take away understanding. strong drink is a brawler, Proverbs 23:29-30 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? / Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. Habakkuk 2:15 Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin until they are drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness! Isaiah 5:11-12 Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. / At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands. and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Ephesians 5:15-18 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. … Titus 2:2-3 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance. / Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good. 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. / For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. / But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation. Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Peter 4:3 For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry. Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 1 Timothy 3:3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. 1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. Treasury of Scripture Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Jump to Previous Astray Beer Blows Brawler Deceived Drink Erreth Error Foolish Intoxicated Led Makes Mocker Noisy Raging Reeleth Riotous Scorner Strong Thereby Wine WiseJump to Next Astray Beer Blows Brawler Deceived Drink Erreth Error Foolish Intoxicated Led Makes Mocker Noisy Raging Reeleth Riotous Scorner Strong Thereby Wine WiseProverbs 20 1. Proper LivingWine is a mocker, Wine was a common drink in Israel, yet Scripture repeatedly warns that its misuse brings shame rather than joy. Drunkenness weakens judgment, loosens restraint, and exposes a person to conduct that dishonors God and harms others. What promises pleasure can turn a person into an object of ridicule, drawing him away from the sober-minded wisdom required for faithful living. Ephesians 5:18 contrasts drunkenness with the Spirit-filled life, calling believers to live under God’s control rather than the control of intoxicating drink. Pro 23:31-35 Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles… strong drink is a brawler, Strong drink can stir anger, recklessness, and conflict. Feasts and celebrations in the ancient world could become scenes of disorder when people abandoned self-control, and violence often followed intoxication. God calls His people to pursue peace, self-command, and conduct that builds up others. Proverbs 23:29–35 records the sorrow, wounds, confusion, and self-deception that accompany habitual drunkenness. Pro 23:29-30 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions?… and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. Wisdom does not merely recognize alcohol’s dangers; it refuses to be mastered by anything that clouds the mind or turns the heart from obedience. A person led by drink has surrendered discernment and stepped from the path of the fear of the Lord. God gives wisdom for holy living, but intoxication leads toward regret, broken relationships, and spiritual compromise. Eph 5:15-18 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk… Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are foundational to the book of Proverbs. 2. Ancient Israel The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wine and strong drink were common. Understanding the societal norms of this time helps us grasp the significance of Solomon's warnings. 3. Wisdom Literature Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings on how to live a life that honors God. Teaching Points The Deceptive Nature of AlcoholWine and strong drink can deceive and lead one astray, promising pleasure but often resulting in poor judgment and regret. The Importance of Wisdom Being led astray by alcohol is contrasted with wisdom. A wise person exercises self-control and discernment, avoiding situations that could lead to sin. Guarding Against Temptation Believers are called to be vigilant and avoid situations where they might be tempted to overindulge in alcohol. Seeking Fulfillment in God True satisfaction and joy come from a relationship with God, not from temporary pleasures like alcohol. Community and Accountability Engaging in a community of believers provides support and accountability, helping individuals make wise choices regarding alcohol. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:1?2. How does Proverbs 20:1 warn against the deceptive nature of wine and beer? 3. What practical steps can you take to avoid being led astray by alcohol? 4. How does Ephesians 5:18 relate to the message in Proverbs 20:1? 5. Why is self-control important in light of Proverbs 20:1's warning about alcohol? 6. How can you help others understand the dangers mentioned in Proverbs 20:1? 7. What does Proverbs 20:1 say about the dangers of alcohol consumption? 8. How does Proverbs 20:1 influence Christian views on sobriety? 9. Why does Proverbs 20:1 describe wine as a "mocker"? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20? What Does Proverbs 20:1 Mean Wine is a mocker“Wine is a mocker”. The proverb takes wine at face value: if misused, it turns on the drinker like a taunting companion. • Proverbs 23:29-32 paints the same picture—wine “bites like a serpent,” ridiculing promises of pleasure and leaving pain instead. • Isaiah 5:11 warns of those who “run after their drinks,” only to find emptiness. • The mockery hits reputation and discernment; as Noah discovered in Genesis 9:20-23, even a righteous man can become a laughingstock when he lets wine take charge. strong drink is a brawler “Strong drink is a brawler”. Hard liquor escalates the problem from mockery to open conflict. • Proverbs 23:29 asks, “Who has strife? Who has complaints?”—then answers, “Those who linger over wine.” • 1 Samuel 25:36-38 shows Nabal feasting and drunk, oblivious to danger; his boorishness nearly cost lives. • In the New Testament, Ephesians 5:18 contrasts being “filled with the Spirit” against being “drunk with wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion.” The Spirit unites; strong drink divides. whoever is led astray by them is not wise The issue is not the beverage itself but surrendering control. Wisdom is the ability to stay governed by God, not by a bottle. • Proverbs 4:23 calls us to “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Allowing alcohol to steer the heart forfeits that guard. • Luke 21:34 cautions, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life.” • 1 Corinthians 6:10 warns that persistent drunkards “will not inherit the kingdom of God,” underscoring that habitual surrender to drink is incompatible with living under Christ’s lordship. summary Proverbs 20:1 draws a straight line: misuse of alcohol first mocks, then fights, then masters. Wisdom keeps the upper hand by treating wine and strong drink with sobriety and restraint, choosing instead to be led by the Spirit and marked by self-control. XX.(1) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging—i.e., producing these effects in those who subject themselves to their power. Verse 1. - Wine is a mocker; or, scorner, the word (luts) being taken up from the last chapter. The liquor is, as it were, personified, as doing what men do under its influence. Thus inebriated persons scoff at what is holy, reject reproof, ridicule all that is serious. Septuagint, Ἀκόλαστον οϊνος, "Wine is an undisciplined thing;" Vulgate, Luxuriosa res, vinum. Strong drink is raging; a brawler, Revised Version. Shekar, σίκερα (Luke 1:15), is most frequently employed of any intoxicating drink not made from grapes, e.g. palm wine, mead, etc. The inordinate use of this renders men noisy and boisterous, no longer masters of themselves or restrained by the laws of morality or decency. Septuagint, Υβιστικὸν μέθη, "Drunkenness is insolent." Theognis has some sensible lines on this matter ('Parch.,' 479) -Ος δ α}ν ὑπερβάλλῃ πόσιος μὲτρον οὐκέτι "Ense cadunt multi, perimit sed crapula plures." More are drowned in the wine cup than in the ocean, say the Germans (comp. Proverbs 23:29, etc.; Ephesians 5:18). Hebrew Wineהַ֭יַּין (hay·yayn) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3196: Wine, intoxication is a mocker, לֵ֣ץ (lêṣ) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker strong drink שֵׁכָ֑ר (šê·ḵār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7941: An intoxicant, intensely alcoholic liquor is a brawler, הֹמֶ֣ה (hō·meh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1993: To make a, loud sound, commotion, tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor and whoever וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every is led astray שֹׁ֥גֶה (šō·ḡeh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 7686: To stray, to mistake, to transgress, to reel, be enraptured by them בּ֝֗וֹ (bōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew is not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no wise. יֶחְכָּֽם׃ (yeḥ·kām) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2449: To be wise Additonal Resources Proverbs 20:1 Blue Letter BibleProverbs 20:1 Bible Gateway Proverbs 20:1 Bible.com Proverbs 20:1 NIV |
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