Proverbs 23:32

32 In the end it bites like a snake. It bites like a poisonous serpent.

Proverbs 23:32 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 23:32

At the last it biteth like a serpent
Though it goes down sweetly, yet it leaves a sting behind it, intemperately drank; a nausea in the stomach, a stink in the breath, pains and giddiness in the head, weakness in the eyes, trembling in the members of the body, palsy, gout, and other distempers, very painful and grievous to be bore; and, what is worse, if the conscience is awakened, sharp and cutting reflections there; and, without true repentance, torments intolerable in the world to come; and stingeth like an adder;
or "spreads" ^F21, or separates and scatters; that is, its poison. So the Vulgate Latin version, "diffuseth poisons as a basilisk", or "cockatrice"; the Targum and Syriac version,

``as a serpent which flies;''

it signifies the same as before.

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FOOTNOTES:

F21 (vrpy) "jecur diffindet", Schultens.

Proverbs 23:32 In-Context

30 Those who spend too much time with wine. Or those who like to taste wine that is mixed with spices.

31 Don't look at wine when it is red. Don't look at it when it bubbles in the cup. And don't look at it when it goes down smoothly.

32 In the end it bites like a snake. It bites like a poisonous serpent.

33 Your eyes will see strange sights. Your mind will imagine weird things.

34 You will feel like someone sleeping on the ocean. You will think you are lying among the ropes in a boat.