Proverbs 23:20-21
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The verse warns not just against drinking and eating to excess, but specifically against the company of those who do. The danger isn't just the act itself, but how easily we can adopt the habits and destructive patterns of those around us.
Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This instruction comes as part of a larger section guiding a young person on navigating social situations, especially around meals and entertainment. The wise father is warning against the dangers of excessive indulgence and the corrupting influence of certain company, highlighting how such behavior can lead to ruin and a wasted life. After this warning, the text will continue to address the dangers of greed and the allure of wealth.
Wisdom isn't just about what you know, but who you surround yourself with. This verse warns us about more than just certain foods or drinks.
Proverbs repeatedly emphasizes the profound impact of companionship on our choices and character. Being 'among' drunkards or gluttons isn't merely about sharing a meal; it's about being exposed to their lifestyle, conversation, and values. The wise person understands that such company can easily 'infect' or 'injure' their own walk with God.
This isn't about judgmental isolation, but about wise discernment. Associating regularly with those who indulge in excessive drinking and eating for pleasure creates a fertile ground for bad habits to take root in your own life. The risk is not just a one-time slip, but the gradual adoption of destructive patterns.
What's the real issue with 'eating meat' excessively? It’s not just about the quantity, but the underlying attitude and intention.
The phrase 'riotous eaters of flesh' points to more than just overeating. The original language and scholarly insights suggest eating 'for themselves' – indulging appetites without regard for anything beyond immediate gratification. It's about pleasure-seeking that becomes an end in itself, often leading to a 'voluptuous and effeminate life' as one commentator notes.
This isn't condemning enjoying good food; it's warning against making food and drink the purpose of life, a misplaced devotion that can even be seen as making one's own belly their god. It speaks to a heart that isn't rightly ordered, where desires aren't submitted to a higher purpose or to God's principles of moderation and self-control.
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Understand the original words
sobe' · Hebrew Noun
Those who are habitually addicted to intoxicating drink, characterized by a lack of self-control and often associated with moral folly and reckless behavior in the wisdom tradition.
zolel · Hebrew Noun
Someone who is habitually greedy or self-indulgent in eating, reflecting a lack of temperance and a tendency toward wastefulness and lack of discipline.
saba' · Hebrew Noun
One who habitually drinks alcoholic beverages to excess. Biblically, it signifies a lack of self-control and stewardship over one's life, leading to both physical and spiritual ruin.
zolel · Hebrew Noun
One who consumes food excessively or is overly indulgent. In Proverbs, it represents a reckless waste of resources and a failure to discipline one's appetites.
resh · Hebrew Noun
A state of extreme lack or deprivation, often resulting from laziness, lack of discipline, or poor stewardship of resources.
tenumah · Hebrew Noun
The state of being drowsy or lazy; in a biblical context, it is often associated with a lack of spiritual alertness and a refusal to do necessary work, leading to degradation.
This passage highlights how Jesus was criticized for eating and drinking with 'sinners,' including those who likely indulged in food and drink, showing the societal perception and condemnation of such company.
Romans 13:13Paul directly warns believers against 'dissolute living, drunkenness, sensuality, and licentiousness,' connecting excessive eating and drinking with a lifestyle contrary to godly living.
1 Corinthians 6:10This verse lists 'drunkards' among those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, reinforcing the serious spiritual consequences of such habitual indulgence.
Titus 1:7When describing the qualities of a church leader, Paul states they must not be 'given to drunkenness,' indicating that such behavior is considered destructive and unacceptable within a community dedicated to God.
Ephesians 5:18This verse contrasts drunkenness with being 'filled with the Spirit,' presenting a clear choice between being controlled by alcohol and being empowered by God's presence, directly addressing the theme of self-control versus indulgence.
jfbProverbs 23:20: "Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:"
- riotous … flesh—prodigal, or eating more than necessary. Instead of "their flesh" (compare Margin), better, "flesh to them," that is, used for pleasure.
pulpitProverbs 23:20: "Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:"
Verse 20. - Wine bibbers; persons who meet together for the express purpose of drinking intoxicating liquors. Among riotous eaters of flesh. The Hebrew is "of flesh for themselves," whence some take the meaning to be "of their own flesh," i.e. who by their gluttony and luxury ruin their own bodies. But the parallelism with the wine drinker shows plainly that the flesh which they eat is meant, and the idea is that they ea…
The verse warns not just against drinking and eating to excess, but specifically against the company of those who do. The danger isn't just the act itself, but how easily we can adopt the habits and destructive patterns of those around us.
This instruction comes as part of a larger section guiding a young person on navigating social situations, especially around meals and entertainment. The wise father is warning against the dangers of excessive indulgence and the corrupting influence of certain company, highlighting how such behavior can lead to ruin and a wasted life. After this warning, the text will continue to address the dangers of greed and the allure of wealth.
This instruction comes as part of a larger section guiding a young person on navigating social situations, especially around meals and entertainment. The wise father is warning against the dangers of excessive indulgence and the corrupting influence of certain company, highlighting how such behavior can lead to ruin and a wasted life. After this warning, the text will continue to address the dangers of greed and the allure of wealth.
"Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat, for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags." — The verse warns not just against drinking and eating to excess, but specifically against the company of those who do. The danger isn't just the act itself, but how easily we can adopt the habits an…
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Last reviewed October 2026
