CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 23:31 Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/23-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/20_Pro_23_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 23:31 - True Riches" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/23-31.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/23-31.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/23.htm">Chapter 23</a> > Verse 31</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad11.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/23-30.htm" title="Proverbs 23:30">◄</a> Proverbs 23:31 <a href="/proverbs/23-32.htm" title="Proverbs 23:32">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, <i>when</i> it moveth itself aright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, <i>When</i> it swirls around smoothly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not look at wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, <i>When</i> it goes down smoothly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not look on the wine when it glistens red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it goes down smoothly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Do not look at wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the glass, When it goes down smoothly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don’t gaze at wine because it is red, because it gleams in the cup and goes down smoothly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Don&#8217t gaze at wine because it is red, when it gleams in the cup and goes down smoothly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, When it sparkleth in the cup, When it goeth down smoothly:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't even look at that colorful stuff bubbling up in the glass! It goes down so easily, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth its colour in the cup, when it goeth down smoothly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not look at wine because it is red, because it sparkles in the cup, because it goes down smoothly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't let wine tempt you, even though it is rich red, and it sparkles in the cup, and it goes down smoothly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't stare into red wine, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth its color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not see wine when it shows itself red, "" When it gives its color in the cup, "" It goes up and down through the upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> See not wine when it showeth itself red, When it giveth in the cup its colour, It goeth up and down through the upright.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not look upon wine when it shall be red, when it shall give its eye in the cup, it will go about in uprightnesses.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Look not upon the wine when it is yellow, when the colour thereof shineth in the glass: it goeth in pleasantly, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Do not gaze into the wine when it turns gold, when its color shines in the glass. It enters pleasantly,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup. It goes down smoothly, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Do not look on the wine when it is red in the cup, but meditate on righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not fix your eyes on the wine that is red, its color in the cup, but meditate on righteousness.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, When it giveth its colour in the cup, When it glideth down smoothly;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For if thou shouldest set thine eyes on bowls and cups, thou shalt afterwards go more naked than a pestle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/23-31.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4788" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">True Riches</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">30</span>Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. <span class="reftext">31</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: tê·re (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-2ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">gaze at</a> <a href="/hebrew/3196.htm" title="3196: ya·yin (N-ms) -- Wine. From an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine; by implication, intoxication.">wine</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">while</a> <a href="/hebrew/119.htm" title="119: yiṯ·’ad·dām (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To be red. To show blood, i.e. Flush or turn rosy.">it is red,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: yit·tên (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">it sparkles</a> <a href="/hebrew/3599.htm" title="3599: bak·kīs (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Bag, purse. A form for kowc; a cup; also a bag for money or weights.">in the cup</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: yiṯ·hal·lêḵ (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and goes down smoothly.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4339.htm" title="4339: bə·mê·šā·rîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- Evenness, uprightness, equity. From yashar; evenness, i.e. prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e. rectitude."></a> </span><span class="reftext">32</span>In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a></span><br />Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-11.htm">Isaiah 5:11-12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/2-15.htm">Habakkuk 2:15</a></span><br />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!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">1 Peter 4:3</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Romans 13:13</a></span><br />Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6-8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/28-7.htm">Isaiah 28:7</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-34.htm">Luke 21:34</a></span><br />But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">1 Timothy 3:3</a></span><br />not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-11.htm">1 Corinthians 5:11</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-11.htm">Hosea 4:11</a></span><br />to promiscuity, wine, and new wine, which take away understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/1-5.htm">Joel 1:5</a></span><br />Wake up, you drunkards, and weep; wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/2-11.htm">Micah 2:11</a></span><br />If a man of wind were to come and say falsely, “I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,” he would be just the preacher for this people!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Look not you on the wine when it is red, when it gives his color in the cup, when it moves itself aright.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/6-25.htm">Proverbs 6:25</a></b></br> Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/11-2.htm">2 Samuel 11:2</a></b></br> And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman <i>was</i> very beautiful to look upon.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/33-1.htm">Job 33:1</a></b></br> Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Aright</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Bright</a> <a href="/numbers/11-7.htm">Color</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-55.htm">Colour</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-11.htm">Cup</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-29.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-25.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/songs/7-9.htm">Glideth</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-10.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Moveth</a> <a href="/psalms/136-15.htm">Red</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-17.htm">Showeth</a> <a href="/songs/7-9.htm">Smoothly</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-24.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-30.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/28-26.htm">Aright</a> <a href="/songs/4-3.htm">Bright</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm">Color</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-4.htm">Colour</a> <a href="/songs/7-2.htm">Cup</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-33.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-16.htm">Gaze</a> <a href="/songs/7-9.htm">Glideth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-15.htm">Moveth</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-21.htm">Red</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-25.htm">Showeth</a> <a href="/songs/7-9.htm">Smoothly</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-15.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-35.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/23-1.htm">Consider carefully what is before you</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do not gaze at wine while it is red</b><br>This phrase warns against the allure of wine, emphasizing the visual temptation. In biblical times, wine was a common beverage, often safer to drink than water due to fermentation. The redness of wine signifies its richness and appeal, drawing a parallel to the seductive nature of sin. The Bible frequently warns against drunkenness (<a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a>) and the dangers of overindulgence (<a href="/proverbs/20.htm">Proverbs 20:1</a>). The visual enticement of wine can be likened to the initial temptation of sin, which appears attractive but leads to negative consequences.<p><b>when it sparkles in the cup</b><br>The sparkling of wine in the cup symbolizes its enticing nature, capturing attention and desire. This imagery reflects the deceptive allure of sin, which often appears harmless or even beneficial at first glance. The sparkling wine can be compared to the forbidden fruit in <a href="/genesis/3-6.htm">Genesis 3:6</a>, which was "pleasing to the eye." The Bible often uses such imagery to caution believers about the deceptive nature of sin, which can lead to spiritual downfall if not resisted.<p><b>and goes down smoothly</b><br>This phrase highlights the immediate pleasure and ease with which wine can be consumed, masking its potential for harm. The smoothness of wine represents the initial satisfaction of indulging in sin, which can lead to addiction or destructive behavior. <a href="/proverbs/23-32.htm">Proverbs 23:32</a> warns that ultimately, it "bites like a snake and stings like a viper," illustrating the eventual pain and regret that follow. This serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control and the dangers of succumbing to temptation, as echoed in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>, where self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His writings often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wine was a common part of daily life and religious ceremonies.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wine.htm">Wine</a></b><br>In the context of this verse, wine represents not just the literal drink but also the temptations and excesses that can lead one away from wisdom and righteousness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_heart_and_mind.htm">Guard Your Heart and Mind</a></b><br>The verse warns against being captivated by the allure of wine, symbolizing the need to guard our hearts and minds against temptations that can lead us astray.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_and_wisdom.htm">Discernment and Wisdom</a></b><br>Just as wine can appear attractive and harmless, many temptations in life can seem appealing. We must seek God's wisdom to discern what is truly beneficial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-control.htm">Self-Control</a></b><br>The call to not gaze at wine is a call to exercise self-control, a fruit of the Spirit, in all areas of life, avoiding excess and maintaining a focus on godly living.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/awareness_of_consequences.htm">Awareness of Consequences</a></b><br>The smoothness of wine going down can lead to a path of destruction. Being aware of the potential consequences of our choices helps us make decisions that honor God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_my_cup_full_of_joy_and_abundance.htm">Is my cup overflowing with abundance and joy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_proverbs_20_1_align_with_alcohol_research.htm">Proverbs 20:1 labels wine as deceptive—how does this align with modern research suggesting moderate alcohol consumption can be beneficial? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_bible's_view_on_drugs.htm">What is the Bible's stance on drug use?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_joel_1_5's_call_to_drunkards_unique.htm">Does Joel 1:5’s emphasis on drunkards mourning align with other biblical calls to repentance, or is this focus unique and contradictory?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(31) <span class= "bld">When it giveth its colour.--</span>Or <span class= "ital">sparkles.</span><p><span class= "bld">When it moveth itself aright.</span>--Or, <span class= "ital">when it glides easily </span>down the throat.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 31.</span> - <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>Look not thou upon the wine when it is red.</span> Be not attracted by its beautiful appearance. The wine of Palestine was chiefly "red," though what we call white wine was not unknown. The Vulgate <span class="accented">flavescit</span> points to the latter. <span class="cmt_word">When it giveth his colour in the cup.</span> For "color" the Hebrew has "eye," which refers to the sparkling and gleaming which show themselves in wine poured into the cup. It is as though the cup had an eye which glanced at the drinker with a fascination which he did not resist. <span class="cmt_word">When it moveth itself aright.</span> Having warned against the attraction of sight, the moralist now passes to the seduction of taste. Hebrew, <span class="accented">when it goeth by the right read.</span> This may refer to its transference from the jar or skin to the drinking cup; but it mere probably alludes to the drinker's throat, and is best translated, "when it glideth down smoothly." Vulgate, <span class="accented">ingreditur blande.</span> The wine pleases the palate, and passes over it without roughness or harshness (comp. <a href="/songs/7-9.htm">Song of Solomon 7:9</a>). The LXX. has enlarged on the original thus: "Be ye not drunk with wine, but converse with just men, and converse in public places (<span class="greek">ἐν περιπάτοις</span>). For if thou set thine eyes on goblets and cups, afterwards thou shalt walk more bare than a pestle (<span class="greek">γύμνοτερος ὐπέρου</span>)." This last expression, <span class="accented">pistillo nudior</span>, is a proverb. Regarding the danger of looking on seductive objects, the Arab, in his sententious language, says, "The contemplation of vice is vice." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/23-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gaze at</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּ֥רֶא</span> <span class="translit">(tê·re)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wine</span><br /><span class="heb">יַיִן֮</span> <span class="translit">(ya·yin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3196.htm">Strong's 3196: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wine, intoxication</span><br /><br /><span class="word">while</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֪י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it is red,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְאַ֫דָּ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·’ad·dām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_119.htm">Strong's 119: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flush, turn rosy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it sparkles</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתֵּ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(yit·tên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the cup</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּכּ֣וֹס</span> <span class="translit">(bak·kō·ws)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3599.htm">Strong's 3599: </a> </span><span class="str2">A cup, a bag for, money, weights</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and goes down smoothly.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִ֝תְהַלֵּ֗ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·hal·lêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/23-31.htm">Proverbs 23:31 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23-31.htm">Proverbs 23:31 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/23-31.htm">Proverbs 23:31 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23-31.htm">Proverbs 23:31 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23-31.htm">Proverbs 23:31 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/23-31.htm">Proverbs 23:31 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/23-31.htm">Proverbs 23:31 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/23-31.htm">Proverbs 23:31 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/23-31.htm">Proverbs 23:31 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/23-31.htm">Proverbs 23:31 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/23-31.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:31 Don't look at the wine when it (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/23-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 23:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/23-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 23:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:32" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>