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<!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 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/31-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/20_Pro_31_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 31:4 - The Words of King Lemuel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink," /><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/31-4.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/31-4.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/31.htm">Chapter 31</a> > Verse 4</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="/ad4.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/31-3.htm" title="Proverbs 31:3">◄</a> Proverbs 31:4 <a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm" title="Proverbs 31:5">►</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/31.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/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>It is</i> not for kings, O Lemuel, <i>it is</i> not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>It is</i> not for kings, O Lemuel, <i>It is</i> not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is not for kings, Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire intoxicating drink,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Kings and leaders should not get drunk or even want to drink. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"It is not for kings, Lemuel. It is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave liquor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Listen, Lemuel. Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for princes to take strong drink,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’ <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />[It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, "" Not for kings, to drink wine, "" And for princes—a desire of strong drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Not for kings, O Lemuel, Not for kings, to drink wine, And for princes a desire of strong drink.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Not for kings, O Lemuel, not for kings to drink and for princes the desire of strong drink:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Give not to kings, O Lamuel, give not wine to kings: because there is no secret where drunkenness reigneth: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Not to kings, O Lamuel, not to kings give wine. For there are no secrets where drunkenness reigns.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />It is not for kings, Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine; strong drink is not for princes, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Of kings, O Moael, be careful of kings who drink wine; and of princes who drink strong drink,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Beware of Kings, Moayl, of Kings that drink wine, and of Rulers that drink strong drink<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine: Nor for princes to say: 'Where is strong drink?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Princes are prone to anger: let them then not drink wine:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/31-4.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=6434" 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/31.htm">The Words of King Lemuel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin kings. <span class="reftext">4</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.">It is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: lam·lā·ḵîm (Prep-l, Art:: N-mp) -- King. From malak; a king.">for kings,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3927.htm" title="3927: lə·mō·w·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- King of Massa. Or Lmow el; from lmow and 'el; to God; Lemuel or Lemoel, a symbolic name of Solomon.">O Lemuel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">it is not</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: lam·lā·ḵîm (Prep-l, Art:: N-mp) -- King. From malak; a king.">for kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: šə·ṯōw- (V-Qal-Inf) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">to drink</a> <a href="/hebrew/3196.htm" title="3196: yā·yin (N-ms) -- Wine. From an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine; by implication, intoxication.">wine,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7336.htm" title="7336: ū·lə·rō·wz·nîm (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To be weighty, judicious or commanding. A primitive root; probably to be heavy, i.e. honorable.">or for rulers</a> <a href="/hebrew/176.htm" title="176: ʾō (Interrog) -- Or. Presumed to be the constructive or genitival form of -av; short for 'avvah; desire; hence or, also if.">to crave</a> <a href="/hebrew/7941.htm" title="7941: šê·ḵār (N-ms) -- Intoxicating drink, strong drink. From shakar; an intoxicant, i.e. Intensely alcoholic liquor.">strong drink,</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice.…<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="/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="/leviticus/10-9.htm">Leviticus 10:9</a></span><br />“You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting, or else you will die; this is a permanent statute for the generations to come.<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_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="/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_corinthians/6-10.htm">1 Corinthians 6:10</a></span><br />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="/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="/galatians/5-21.htm">Galatians 5:21</a></span><br />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="/daniel/5-1.htm">Daniel 5:1-4</a></span><br />Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. / Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. / Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:7</a></span><br />For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.<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="/numbers/6-3.htm">Numbers 6:3</a></span><br />he is to abstain from wine and strong drink. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or strong drink, and he must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/10-9.htm">Leviticus 10:9,10</a></b></br> Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: <i>it shall be</i> a statute for ever throughout your generations: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">1 Kings 20:12,16-20</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when <i>Benhadad</i> heard this message, as he <i>was</i> drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set <i>yourselves in array</i>. And they set <i>themselves in array</i> against the city… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Esther 3:15</a></b></br> The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Beer</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-6.htm">Crave</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-16.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-9.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-3.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-2.htm">Lemuel</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-26.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-35.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/31-6.htm">Beer</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-6.htm">Crave</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-14.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-1.htm">Lemuel</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-7.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-19.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-6.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-6.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/31-1.htm">Lemuel's lesson of chastity and temperance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/31-6.htm">The afflicted are to be comforted and defended</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">The praise and properties of a good wife</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/31.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/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>It is not for kings, O Lemuel</b><br>The name "Lemuel" is often understood to refer to a king, possibly a symbolic or poetic name, as it is not found elsewhere in the Bible. The advice given here is traditionally attributed to King Solomon's mother, Bathsheba, offering wisdom to her son. The role of a king in ancient Israel was to lead with wisdom and justice, reflecting God's rule. This phrase emphasizes the high calling and responsibility of kingship, suggesting that certain behaviors are not fitting for those in such positions of authority.<p><b>it is not for kings to drink wine</b><br>Wine in biblical times was a common beverage, often safer to drink than water due to fermentation. However, excessive consumption could impair judgment. For a king, whose decisions could affect the entire nation, maintaining clarity of mind was crucial. The warning against wine for kings underscores the need for leaders to remain vigilant and wise, avoiding anything that could cloud their judgment or lead to injustice. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of sobriety and self-control, as seen in passages like <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a>.<p><b>or for rulers to crave strong drink</b><br>"Strong drink" refers to beverages with higher alcohol content, such as fermented grain or fruit drinks. The craving for such drinks suggests a lack of self-control, which is particularly dangerous for those in positions of power. Leaders are called to a higher standard, as their actions and decisions have far-reaching consequences. This advice reflects the biblical principle that those in authority should be models of integrity and discipline, as seen in the qualifications for church leaders in <a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2-3</a>. The emphasis on self-control and clear-mindedness is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the importance of these virtues for effective leadership.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_lemuel.htm">King Lemuel</a></b><br>A king who is traditionally believed to have received wise teachings from his mother. The identity of Lemuel is not definitively known, but he is often considered a symbolic or poetic figure representing any ruler or leader.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/kings_and_rulers.htm">Kings and Rulers</a></b><br>The verse addresses those in positions of authority and leadership, emphasizing their responsibility to govern wisely and justly.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wine_and_strong_drink.htm">Wine and Strong Drink</a></b><br>These substances are used symbolically to represent indulgence and potential impairment of judgment, which can lead to poor decision-making.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_responsibility_of_leadership.htm">The Responsibility of Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders are called to a higher standard of conduct. Their decisions impact many, and thus they must remain clear-headed and wise.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_indulgence.htm">The Dangers of Indulgence</a></b><br>While the Bible does not prohibit alcohol, it warns against excess and the loss of self-control, which can lead to moral and ethical failures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_decision-making.htm">Wisdom in Decision-Making</a></b><br>Leaders must prioritize wisdom and discernment over personal pleasure or indulgence to fulfill their roles effectively.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_role_models.htm">The Influence of Role Models</a></b><br>King Lemuel's mother serves as a role model, emphasizing the importance of wise counsel and guidance in shaping leaders.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-control_as_a_virtue.htm">Self-Control as a Virtue</a></b><br>Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and is essential for anyone in a position of influence, ensuring that their actions align with godly principles.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_life_advice_does_proverbs_give.htm">What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_biblical_proverb.htm">What defines a biblical proverb?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_king_lemuel_in_the_bible.htm">Who is King Lemuel in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_ban_all_grape_products_in_numbers_6_2-3.htm">Numbers 6:2–3 — Why forbid all grape products without providing a clear historical or scientific rationale? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">It is not for kings to drink wine.</span>--Another of the temptations of kings. (Comp. <a href="/1_kings/16-9.htm" title="And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.">1Kings 16:9</a>; <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm" title="And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.">1Kings 20:16</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-17.htm" title="Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!">Ecclesiastes 10:17</a>.) Perversion of justice as the result of revelry is also noted by Isaiah (<a href="/context/isaiah/5-22.htm" title="Woe to them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:">Isaiah 5:22-23</a>). Comp. St. Paul's advice to "use this world so as not abusing," or rather "using it to the full" (<a href="/1_corinthians/7-31.htm" title="And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passes away.">1Corinthians 7:31</a>)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 4-7.</span> - <span class="accented">The</span> <span class="accented">second admonition.</span> A warning against inebriety, and concerning a proper use of strong drink. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">It is not for kings;</span> or, as others read, <span class="accented">far be it from kings.</span> The injunction is repeated to indicate its vast importance. <span class="cmt_word">Nor for princes strong drink;</span> literally, <span class="accented">nor for princes</span> (the word), <span class="accented">Where is</span> <span class="accented">strong drink</span>? (see on Proverbs 20:1; and comp. <a href="/job/15-23.htm">Job 15:23</a>). The evils of intemperance, flagrant enough in the case of a private person, are greatly enhanced in the case of a king, whose misdeeds may affect a whole community, as the next verse intimates. St. Jerome reads differently, translating, "Because there is no secret where drunkenness reigns." This is in accordance with the proverb, "When wine goes in the secret comes out;" and, "Where drink enters, wisdom departs;" and again, "Quod latet in mente sobrii, hoc natat in ore ebrii." Septuagint, "The powerful are irascible, but let them not drink wine." "Drunkenness," says Jeremy Taylor ('Holy Living,' ch. 3, § 2), "opens all the sanctuaries of nature, and discovers the nakedness of the soul, all its weaknesses and follies; it multiplies sins and discovers them; it makes a man incapable of being a private friend or a public counsellor. It taketh a man's soul into slavery and imprisonment more than any vice whatsoever, because it disarms a man of all his reason and his wisdom, whereby he might be cured, and, therefore, commonly it grows upon him with age; a drunkard being still more a fool and less a man." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/31-4.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">It is not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֤ל</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">for kings,</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽמְלָכִ֨ים ׀</span> <span class="translit">(lam·lā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O Lemuel,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְֽמוֹאֵ֗ל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mō·w·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3927.htm">Strong's 3927: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lemuel -- king of Massa</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it is not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֣ל</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">for kings</span><br /><span class="heb">לַֽמְלָכִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(lam·lā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to drink</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁתוֹ־</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ṯōw-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> </span><span class="str2">To imbibe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wine,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֑יִן</span> <span class="translit">(yā·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">or for rulers</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝לְרוֹזְנִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·lə·rō·wz·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7336.htm">Strong's 7336: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be weighty, judicious or commanding</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[to crave]</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_176.htm">Strong's 176: </a> </span><span class="str2">Desire, if</span><br /><br /><span class="word">strong drink,</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁכָֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(šê·ḵār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7941.htm">Strong's 7941: </a> </span><span class="str2">An intoxicant, intensely alcoholic liquor</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/31-4.htm">Proverbs 31:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/31-4.htm">Proverbs 31:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/31-4.htm">Proverbs 31:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/31-4.htm">Proverbs 31:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/31-4.htm">Proverbs 31:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/31-4.htm">Proverbs 31:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/31-4.htm">Proverbs 31:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/31-4.htm">Proverbs 31:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/31-4.htm">Proverbs 31:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/31-4.htm">Proverbs 31:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/31-4.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:4 It is not for kings Lemuel (Prov. 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