Proverbs 31:4-5
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The verse emphasizes not just abstinence from strong drink, but the reason behind it: "It is not for kings... nor for rulers." This isn't merely a personal preference, but a solemn charge tied to their high responsibilities, highlighting how a leader's choices directly impact the justice and well-being of the entire kingdom.
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a mother's advice to her son, King Lemuel, urging him to be wise and just. Following warnings against lust and wine, this verse specifically cautions rulers against excessive drinking, emphasizing that their clear-headedness is crucial for governing and upholding justice. The verses immediately following will elaborate on the consequences of this intemperance for both the ruler and the vulnerable people they oversee.
Why is it so crucial for leaders to stay sober? This verse points to a profound link between temperance and effective governance.
This verse is a direct warning to King Lemuel, and by extension, all leaders, about the dangers of alcohol. It's not just about not getting drunk; it's about the fundamental requirement for clear thinking in leadership.
The Cost of Intoxication
When a leader drinks excessively, their judgment becomes clouded. This can lead to poor decisions, injustice, and a general disregard for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. The very essence of leadership – making wise choices – is compromised.
A Matter of Responsibility
The repeated phrase, 'It is not for kings,' emphasizes that this isn't a casual suggestion. Kings and rulers hold immense responsibility. Their actions, or their inability to act wisely due to intoxication, have ripple effects throughout the entire kingdom.
This isn't just a prohibition; it's a declaration about what truly matters for those in charge.
The core message here is that wisdom and sound judgment are paramount for kings and rulers. Alcohol, which impairs these faculties, is therefore incompatible with their calling.
The Crown vs. The Cup
Kings are called to uphold justice, protect the vulnerable, and make life-altering decisions. These duties require a sharp mind and a steady hand. The 'wine' and 'strong drink' represent anything that dulls the senses and compromises one's ability to discern right from wrong.
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A Foundation for Justice
As the commentary suggests, a drunken judge can easily pervert justice. This verse sets the stage for the description of the ideal woman in the following verses, who is characterized by wisdom, diligence, and strength – qualities that require a clear mind, not a clouded one.
Understand the original words
yayin · Hebrew Noun
Fermented drink, often associated with pleasure, but also with loss of self-control, impaired judgment, and potential moral failure, especially for those in leadership.
shekar · Hebrew Noun
An intoxicating substance; its usage is strictly warned against for leaders because it obscures moral clarity and threatens the proper administration of justice.
shanah · Hebrew Verb
To turn aside, twist, or corrupt; specifically used in legal or ethical contexts regarding the subversion of truth and the denial of justice.
ani · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Biblical justice for those who are marginalized, poor, oppressed, or otherwise unable to defend themselves; God is consistently portrayed as their protector and judge.
This passage shows King Ahab, emboldened by wine, foolishly going against God's direct command and facing severe consequences, highlighting the dangers of intoxication for rulers.
Ecclesiastes 10:17This verse directly links a land's well-being to its rulers' sobriety, stating 'Blessed is the land whose king is of noble birth and whose officials eat and drink with wisdom, not in wild living,' reinforcing the idea that good governance requires clear minds.
Isaiah 5:22-23Here, Isaiah pronounces woes on those who are 'heroes at drinking wine' and 'experts at mixing drinks,' showing how leaders consumed by drink pervert justice and show partiality, mirroring the concerns in Proverbs 31.
Daniel 1:8Daniel and his friends proactively refused the king's rich food and wine, demonstrating a commitment to purity and wisdom even in a foreign land, setting a standard of self-control that rulers should emulate.
pooleProverbs 31:4: "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:"
To drink wine, to wit, to drunkenness or excess, as the next verse explains it.
clarkeProverbs 31:4: "It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:"
It is not for kings - to drink wine - An intemperate man is ill fit to hold the reins of government.
The verse emphasizes not just abstinence from strong drink, but the reason behind it: "It is not for kings... nor for rulers." This isn't merely a personal preference, but a solemn charge tied to their high responsibilities, highlighting how a leader's choices directly impact the justice and well-being of the entire kingdom.
This passage is part of a mother's advice to her son, King Lemuel, urging him to be wise and just. Following warnings against lust and wine, this verse specifically cautions rulers against excessive drinking, emphasizing that their clear-headedness is crucial for governing and upholding justice. The verses immediately following will elaborate on the consequences of this intemperance for both the ruler and the vulnerable people they oversee.
This passage is part of a mother's advice to her son, King Lemuel, urging him to be wise and just. Following warnings against lust and wine, this verse specifically cautions rulers against excessive drinking, emphasizing that their clear-headedness is crucial for governing and upholding justice. The verses immediately following will elaborate on the consequences of this intemperance for both the ruler and the vulnerable people they oversee.
"It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted." — The verse emphasizes not just abstinence from strong drink, but the reason behind it: "It is not for kings... nor for rulers." This isn't merely a personal preference, but a solemn charge tied to t…
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Last reviewed October 2026
