Proverbs - 23:31



31 Don't look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Proverbs 23:31.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, When it sparkleth in the cup, When it goeth down smoothly:
Look not upon the wine when it is yellow, when the colour thereof shineth in the glass: it goeth in pleasantly,
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth its colour in the cup, when it goeth down smoothly.
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth its color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
See not wine when it showeth itself red, When it giveth in the cup its colour, It goeth up and down through the upright.
Look not you on the wine when it is red, when it gives his color in the cup, when it moves itself aright.
Keep your eyes from looking on the wine when it is red, when its colour is bright in the cup, when it goes smoothly down:
Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth its colour in the cup, When it glideth down smoothly;
Do not gaze into the wine when it turns gold, when its color shines in the glass. It enters pleasantly,

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

His color - literally, "its eye," the clear brightness, or the beaded bubbles on which the wine drinker looks with complacency.
It moveth itself aright - The Hebrew word describes the pellucid stream flowing pleasantly from the wineskin or jug into the goblet or the throat (compare Song 7:9), rather than a sparkling wine.

Look not thou upon the wine - Let neither the color, the odour, the sparkling, etc., of the wine, when poured out, induce thee to drink of it. However good and pure it may be, it will to thee be a snare, because thou art addicted to it, and hast no self-command.

Look not thou upon the wine when it is red,.... Or, "because it is red" (r); or shows itself red. Which was the only wine used in the land of Canaan, or, however, the most esteemed of, and that most of art which had the best colour; when it had a good, bright, red colour, or sparkled, and looked bright and beautiful, so the word signifies; and then it should not be looked upon: not that it is unlawful to look upon the colour of wine, and thereby judge of its goodness; but it should not be looked upon with a greedy eye, so as vehemently to desire it, which will lead to an intemperate use of it; just as looking upon a woman, so as to lust after her, is forbidden, Matthew 5:28;
when it giveth his colour in the cup: or, its eye in the cup (s); such a bright, brisk, and beautiful colour, as is like a bright and sparkling eye. Here is a various reading; it is written in the text, "in the purse" (t); it is read in the margin, "in the cup"; and Jarchi's note takes in both,
"he that drinks wine sets his eye on the cup; and the vintner sets his on his purse;''
when it moveth itself aright; sparkles in the glass, or goes down the throat pleasantly; or rather looks well to the eye, and appears right and good, and promises a great deal of satisfaction and delight.
(r) "quia", some in Mercerus, Gejerus. (s) "oculum suum", Montanus, Gejerus, Michaelis. (t) "in crumena, vel marsupio", Mercerus.

when . . . red--the color denoting greater strength (compare Genesis 49:11; Deuteronomy 32:14).
giveth . . . cup--literally, "gives its eye," that is, sparkles.
moveth . . . aright--Perhaps its foaming is meant.

Red - Which was the colour of the best wines in that country. Aright - When it sparkles, and seems to smile upon a man.

*More commentary available at chapter level.


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