Proverbs 23:19-35

Saying 16

19 Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path:

20 Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,

21 for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

Saying 17

22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

23 Buy the truth and do not sell it— wisdom, instruction and insight as well.

24 The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him.

25 May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!

Saying 18

26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways,

27 for an adulterous woman is a deep pit, and a wayward wife is a narrow well.

28 Like a bandit she lies in wait and multiplies the unfaithful among men.

Saying 19

29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

30 Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.

31 Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!

32 In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.

33 Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things.

34 You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging.

35 “They hit me,” you will say, “but I’m not hurt! They beat me, but I don’t feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?”

Proverbs 23:19-35 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 11

This chapter relates the false steps Solomon took, notwithstanding all his wisdom, in marrying strange wives, and worshipping other gods, 1Ki 11:1-8 upon which the Lord threatens him to rend the kingdom in his son's time, 1Ki 11:9-13 and he raised up adversaries against him, Hadad, Rezon, and Jeroboam, 1Ki 11:14-26 of which last an account is given, and of his being assured by Ahijah the prophet of his having ten of the tribes of Israel given to him; which Solomon having notice of sought to slay him, 1Ki 11:27-40 and the chapter is concluded with an account of Solomon's death and burial, 1Ki 11:41-43.

Cross References

• 1. Deuteronomy 4:9; Proverbs 28:7
• 2. Isaiah 5:11,22; Isaiah 56:12; Habakkuk 2:15; Romans 13:13; Ephesians 5:18
• 3. S Proverbs 21:17
• 4. S Leviticus 19:32; Proverbs 1:8; Proverbs 30:17; Ephesians 6:1-2
• 5. Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 17:16
• 6. S ver 15-16; Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 15:20
• 7. S Proverbs 10:1
• 8. Proverbs 3:1; Proverbs 5:1-6
• 9. S Psalms 18:21; Proverbs 4:4
• 10. S Proverbs 22:14
• 11. Proverbs 7:11-12; Ecclesiastes 7:26
• 12. ver 20-21; Psalms 75:8; Isaiah 5:11; Ephesians 5:18
• 13. Proverbs 20:1