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Proverbs 23:32 In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.

<!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 23:32 In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/23-32.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/20_Pro_23_32.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 23:32 - True Riches" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper." /><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'; 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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/23.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the end it bites like a snake And stings like a viper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />At the last it bites like a serpent And stings like a viper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />At the last it bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />At the end&#8212;like a serpent it bites, And like a viper it stings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />At the last it bites like a serpent And stings like a viper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />At the last it biteth like a serpent, And stingeth like an adder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />but later it bites like a poisonous snake. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/23.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />Later it bites like a snake and strikes like a poisonous snake.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The next morning you will feel as if you had been bitten by a poisonous snake. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Eventually it will bite like a snake and sting like a serpent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Afterward it bites like a snake, and stings like a viper. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />In the end, it bites like a serpent, and poisons like a viper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Its latter end&#8212;it bites as a serpent, "" And it stings as a viper.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Its latter end -- as a serpent it biteth, And as a basilisk it stingeth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Its latter state it will bite as serpent, and sting as a viper.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But in the end, it will bite like a snake, and will spread abroad poison like a basilisk. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />but in the end, it will bite like a snake, and it will spread poison like a king of snakes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />but in the end it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For at the last it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because the end of the wine is like a wound from a serpent and like a flying cockatrice.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />At the last it biteth like a serpent, And stingeth like a basilisk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But at last <i>such a one</i> stretches himself out as one smitten by a serpent, and venom is diffused through him as by a horned serpent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/23-32.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=4795" 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>&#8230;<span class="reftext">31</span>Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. <span class="reftext">32</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/319.htm" title="319: &#8217;a&#183;&#7717;a&#774;&#183;r&#238;&#183;&#7791;&#333;w (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- The after-part, end. From 'achar; the last or end, hence, the future; also posterity.">In the end</a> <a href="/hebrew/5391.htm" title="5391: yi&#353;&#183;&#353;&#257;&#7733; (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to strike with a sting; figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan.">it bites</a> <a href="/hebrew/5175.htm" title="5175: k&#601;&#183;n&#257;&#183;&#7717;&#257;&#353; (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- A serpent. From nachash; a snake.">like a snake</a> <a href="/hebrew/6567.htm" title="6567: yap&#772;&#183;ri&#353; (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To make distinct, declare. A primitive root; to separate, literally or figuratively; also to wound.">and stings</a> <a href="/hebrew/6848.htm" title="6848: &#363;&#183;&#7733;&#601;&#183;&#7779;ip&#772;&#183;&#8216;&#333;&#183;n&#238; (Conj-w, Prep-k:: N-ms) -- A serpent. From an unused root meaning to extrude; a viper.">like a viper.</a> </span><span class="reftext">33</span>Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will utter perversities.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <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="/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="/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 2:15-16</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! / You will be filled with shame instead of glory. You too must drink and expose your uncircumcision! The cup in the LORD&#8217;s right hand will come around to you, and utter disgrace will cover your glory.<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="/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="/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&#8212;and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.<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 28:7-8</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. / For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth.<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="/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="/1_corinthians/10-21.htm">1 Corinthians 10:21</a></span><br />You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">At the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like an adder.</p><p class="hdg">at</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/5-11.htm">Proverbs 5:11</a></b></br> And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/28-3.htm">Isaiah 28:3,7,8</a></b></br> The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trodden under feet: &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/5-31.htm">Jeremiah 5:31</a></b></br> The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love <i>to have it</i> so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?</p><p class="hdg">biteth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:8</a></b></br> He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/8-17.htm">Jeremiah 8:17</a></b></br> For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which <i>will</i> not <i>be</i> charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/5-19.htm">Amos 5:19</a></b></br> As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.</p><p class="hdg">an adder</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/59-5.htm">Isaiah 59:5</a></b></br> They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Adder</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-29.htm">Basilisk</a> <a href="/psalms/73-21.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/numbers/21-6.htm">Bites</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-30.htm">Biteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-18.htm">End</a> <a href="/psalms/122-2.htm">Last</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-5.htm">Poison-Snake</a> <a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/revelation/9-10.htm">Stings</a> <a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Viper</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-30.htm">Wound</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/11-8.htm">Adder</a> <a href="/isaiah/11-8.htm">Basilisk</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Bites</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-8.htm">Biteth</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-8.htm">End</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-24.htm">Last</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-29.htm">Poison-Snake</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-19.htm">Serpent</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-19.htm">Snake</a> <a href="/revelation/9-5.htm">Stings</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-29.htm">Viper</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-20.htm">Wound</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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&nbsp;&#9702;</a>&nbsp;<a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter&nbsp;</a></tr></table></div><b>In the end</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the ultimate outcome or consequence of an action, particularly in the context of indulging in excess or sinful behavior. The Bible often warns about the deceptive nature of sin, which may seem pleasurable or harmless initially but leads to negative consequences. This aligns with the biblical principle found in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a>, which speaks about reaping what one sows. The "end" here serves as a reminder of the final judgment and the importance of considering the long-term effects of one's actions.<p><b>it bites like a snake</b><br>The imagery of a snake is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing deceit, danger, and evil. The serpent in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a> is a prime example, representing Satan's cunning and the introduction of sin into the world. The bite of a snake is sudden and often unexpected, paralleling how sin can suddenly bring about destruction and pain. In the ancient Near East, snakes were common and their bites could be deadly, making this metaphor particularly vivid and relatable to the original audience.<p><b>and stings like a viper</b><br>The viper, a specific type of venomous snake, adds to the intensity of the warning. Vipers were known for their potent venom, which could cause severe harm or death. This phrase underscores the lethal nature of sin and its ability to inflict deep spiritual and moral damage. The use of both "bites" and "stings" suggests a dual aspect of sin's consequences: immediate pain and long-lasting effects. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of sin leading to death, as seen in <a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a>. The imagery also foreshadows the ultimate defeat of sin and Satan, as prophesied in <a href="/genesis/3-15.htm">Genesis 3:15</a>, where the serpent's head will be crushed.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.<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 wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_snake_and_the_viper.htm">The Snake and the Viper</a></b><br>These creatures are used metaphorically to describe the deceptive and harmful nature of certain behaviors, particularly overindulgence in alcohol, as discussed in the surrounding verses.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_deceptive_nature_of_sin.htm">The Deceptive Nature of Sin</a></b><br>Just as a snake's bite is unexpected and harmful, sin often appears enticing but leads to destruction. Believers must be vigilant and discerning.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_overindulgence.htm">The Consequences of Overindulgence</a></b><br><a href="/proverbs/23-32.htm">Proverbs 23:32</a> warns against the dangers of excessive drinking. Christians are called to practice self-control and moderation in all things.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_decision-making.htm">Wisdom in Decision-Making</a></b><br>The imagery of the snake and viper serves as a reminder to seek God's wisdom in our choices, avoiding paths that lead to harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_heart_and_mind.htm">Guarding the Heart and Mind</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to protect their hearts and minds from influences that can lead to spiritual and moral decay.<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/how_is_hatching_viper_eggs_dangerous.htm">In Isaiah 59:5, how could the metaphor of hatching viper eggs make sense scientifically, given that Isaiah implies real danger from such acts? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_proof_of_safe_snake_handling.htm">Luke 10:19 - If authority over snakes and scorpions was literal, why isn't there consistent historical evidence of Christians demonstrating this without harm?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_acts_28_3's_viper_bite_explained.htm">How do we reconcile the viper bite in Acts 28:3 with the claim that Malta has no venomous snakes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_snakes_venom_align_with_science.htm">How can the imagery of snakes and venom (verses 4-5) be reconciled with modern scientific understanding of reptile behavior?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/23.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 32.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">At the last it biteth like a serpent.</span> Wine is like the subtle poison of a serpent, which affects the whole body, and produces the most fatal consequences (comp. Ecclus. 21:2). <span class="accented">Nachash</span> is the generic name for any of the larger tribe of snakes (<a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1</a>, etc.); the poisonous nature of its bite was, of course, well known (<a href="/numbers/21-9.htm">Numbers 21:9</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Stingeth like an adder.</span> The Hebrew word is <span class="accented">tsiphoni</span>, which is usually rendered "cockatrice" in the Authorized Version, but the particular species intended has not been accurately identified. There was some confusion in men's minds as to the organ which inflicted the poisonous wound. Thus a psalmist says, "They have sharpened their tongue like a serpent" (<a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Psalm 140:3</a>). But the verb "sting" is to be taken in the sense of puncturing, making a wound. Vulgate, <span class="accented">Sicut regulus venena diffundet</span>, "It will diffuse its poison like a basilisk:" Septuagint, "But at the last he stretches himself like one stricken by a serpent, and the venom is diffused through him as by a horned snake (<span class="greek">&#x3ba;&#x3b5;&#x3c1;&#x1f71;&#x3c3;&#x3c4;&#x3bf;&#x3c5;</span>)." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/23-32.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">In the end</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1488;&#1463;&#1453;&#1495;&#1458;&#1512;&#1460;&#1497;&#1514;&#1493;&#1465;</span> <span class="translit">(&#8217;a&#183;&#7717;a&#774;&#183;r&#238;&#183;&#7791;&#333;w)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct &#124; third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_319.htm">Strong's 319: </a> </span><span class="str2">The last, end, the future, posterity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it bites</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1460;&#1513;&#1473;&#1468;&#1464;&#1425;&#1498;&#1456;</span> <span class="translit">(yi&#353;&#183;&#353;&#257;&#7733;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5391.htm">Strong's 5391: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usury</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a snake</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1499;&#1468;&#1456;&#1504;&#1464;&#1495;&#1464;&#1443;&#1513;&#1473;</span> <span class="translit">(k&#601;&#183;n&#257;&#183;&#7717;&#257;&#353;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k &#124; Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5175.htm">Strong's 5175: </a> </span><span class="str2">A serpent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and stings</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1497;&#1463;&#1508;&#1456;&#1512;&#1460;&#1469;&#1513;&#1473;&#1475;</span> <span class="translit">(yap&#772;&#183;ri&#353;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6567.htm">Strong's 6567: </a> </span><span class="str2">To make distinct, declare</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a viper.</span><br /><span class="heb">&#1493;&#1468;&#1469;&#1499;&#1456;&#1510;&#1460;&#1508;&#1456;&#1506;&#1465;&#1504;&#1460;&#1445;&#1497;</span> <span class="translit">(&#363;&#183;&#7733;&#601;&#183;&#7779;ip&#772;&#183;&#8216;&#333;&#183;n&#238;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k &#124; Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6848.htm">Strong's 6848: </a> </span><span class="str2">A serpent</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/23-32.htm">Proverbs 23:32 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/23-32.htm">Proverbs 23:32 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/23-32.htm">Proverbs 23:32 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/23-32.htm">Proverbs 23:32 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/23-32.htm">Proverbs 23:32 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/23-32.htm">Proverbs 23:32 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/23-32.htm">Proverbs 23:32 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/23-32.htm">Proverbs 23:32 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/23-32.htm">Proverbs 23:32 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/23-32.htm">Proverbs 23:32 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/23-32.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:32 In the end it bites like (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/23-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 23:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/23-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 23:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 23:33" /></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>

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