Proverbs 20:1
New International Version
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

New Living Translation
Wine produces mockers; alcohol leads to brawls. Those led astray by drink cannot be wise.

English Standard Version
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Berean Standard Bible
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

King James Bible
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

New King James Version
Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

New American Standard Bible
Wine is a mocker, intoxicating drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

NASB 1995
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

NASB 1977
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

Legacy Standard Bible
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

Amplified Bible
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a riotous brawler; And whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.

Christian Standard Bible
Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler; whoever goes astray because of them is not wise.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Wine is a mocker, beer is a brawler, and whoever staggers because of them is not wise.

American Standard Version
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise.

Contemporary English Version
It isn't smart to get drunk! Drinking makes a fool of you and leads to fights.

English Revised Version
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whosoever erreth thereby is not wise.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Wine [makes people] mock, liquor [makes them] noisy, and everyone under their influence is unwise.

Good News Translation
Drinking too much makes you loud and foolish. It's stupid to get drunk.

International Standard Version
Wine causes mocking, and beer causes fights; everyone led astray by them lacks wisdom.

Majority Standard Bible
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

NET Bible
Wine is a mocker and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes astray by them is not wise.

New Heart English Bible
Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

Webster's Bible Translation
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoever is deceived by it is not wise.

World English Bible
Wine is a mocker and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Wine [is] a scorner—strong drink [is] noisy, "" And any going astray in it is not wise.

Young's Literal Translation
Wine is a scorner -- strong drink is noisy, And any going astray in it is not wise.

Smith's Literal Translation
Wine is mocking, strong drink is noisy: and every one going astray by it will not be wise.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Wine is a luxurious thing, and drunkenness riotous: whosoever is delighted therewith shell not be wise.

Catholic Public Domain Version
It is a luxurious thing, wine, and inebriation is tumultuous. Anyone who is delighted by this will not be wise.

New American Bible
Wine is arrogant, strong drink is riotous; none who are intoxicated by them are wise.

New Revised Standard Version
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
WINE is grievous, drunkenness is shameful; and whosoever drinks excessively is not wise.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Wine is strong and drunkenness is disgraceful, and no one that is excessive in it is wise.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is riotous; And whosoever reeleth thereby is not wise.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Wine is an intemperate thing, and strong drink full of violence: but every fool is entangled with them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Wine is a Mocker
1Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. 2The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.…

Cross References
Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

Isaiah 5:11-12
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.

Habakkuk 2:15
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!

1 Corinthians 6:10
nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21
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.

1 Peter 4:3
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.

Romans 13:13
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.

1 Timothy 3:3
not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.

Isaiah 28:7
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.

Hosea 4:11
to promiscuity, wine, and new wine, which take away understanding.

1 Corinthians 5:11
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.

Luke 21:34
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.

1 Thessalonians 5:7
For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

Proverbs 23:29-35
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? / Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. / Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. ...

Joel 1:5
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.


Treasury of Scripture

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Jump to Previous
Astray Beer Blows Brawler Deceived Drink Erreth Error Foolish Intoxicated Led Makes Mocker Noisy Raging Reeleth Riotous Scorner Strong Thereby Wine Wise
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Astray Beer Blows Brawler Deceived Drink Erreth Error Foolish Intoxicated Led Makes Mocker Noisy Raging Reeleth Riotous Scorner Strong Thereby Wine Wise
Proverbs 20
1. Proper Living














Wine is a mocker
The Hebrew word for "wine" is "yayin," which refers to fermented grape juice. In ancient Israel, wine was a common beverage, often consumed with meals and used in religious ceremonies. However, the term "mocker" (Hebrew: "luwts") suggests that wine can lead to scornful or derisive behavior. This phrase warns of the deceptive nature of wine, which can lead individuals to act foolishly or arrogantly. The Bible often uses wine as a metaphor for temptation and the potential for moral compromise, reminding believers to exercise self-control and discernment.

strong drink is raging
"Strong drink" translates from the Hebrew "shekar," referring to intoxicating beverages other than wine, such as beer or other fermented drinks. The word "raging" (Hebrew: "hamah") conveys a sense of tumult or uproar, indicating that strong drink can incite chaos and uncontrolled behavior. Historically, strong drink was known for its potency and potential to impair judgment. This phrase serves as a caution against the loss of self-control and the destructive consequences that can arise from overindulgence in alcohol.

whoever is led astray by them
The phrase "led astray" comes from the Hebrew "shagah," meaning to err or go astray. This suggests a deviation from the path of wisdom and righteousness. The Bible frequently warns against being led astray by worldly temptations, emphasizing the importance of staying true to God's commandments. In this context, being led astray by wine and strong drink symbolizes a departure from wise living and spiritual integrity.

is not wise
The Hebrew word for "wise" is "chakam," which denotes wisdom, skill, or prudence. In the biblical sense, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep understanding and reverence for God's will. The conclusion of this verse underscores the importance of wisdom in making choices that honor God and promote a life of righteousness. It serves as a reminder that true wisdom involves recognizing the dangers of excess and maintaining a disciplined, God-centered life.

XX.

(1) Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging--i.e., producing these effects in those who subject themselves to their power.

Verse 1. - Wine is a mocker; or, scorner, the word (luts) being taken up from the last chapter. The liquor is, as it were, personified, as doing what men do under its influence. Thus inebriated persons scoff at what is holy, reject reproof, ridicule all that is serious. Septuagint, Ἀκόλαστον οϊνος, "Wine is an undisciplined thing;" Vulgate, Luxuriosa res, vinum. Strong drink is raging; a brawler, Revised Version. Shekar, σίκερα (Luke 1:15), is most frequently employed of any intoxicating drink not made from grapes, e.g. palm wine, mead, etc. The inordinate use of this renders men noisy and boisterous, no longer masters of themselves or restrained by the laws of morality or decency. Septuagint, Υβιστικὸν μέθη, "Drunkenness is insolent." Theognis has some sensible lines on this matter ('Parch.,' 479) -

Ος δ α}ν ὑπερβάλλῃ πόσιος μὲτρον οὐκέτι
Τῆς αὐτοῦ γλώσσης καρτερὸς οὐδὲ νόου
Μυθεῖται δ ἀπάλαμνα τὰ νήφοσι γίγνεται αἰσχρά
Αἰδεῖται δ ἕρδων οὐδὲν ὅταν μεθύῃ
Τὸ πρὶν ἐὼν σώφρων τότε νήπιος Whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. No one who reels under the influence of, is overpowered by, wine is wise (Isaiah 28:7). Septuagint, "Every fool is involved in such." Says a Latin adage -

"Ense cadunt multi, perimit sed crapula plures." More are drowned in the wine cup than in the ocean, say the Germans (comp. Proverbs 23:29, etc.; Ephesians 5:18).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Wine
הַ֭יַּין‪‬ (hay·yayn)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3196: Wine, intoxication

is a mocker,
לֵ֣ץ (lêṣ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3887: Ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker

strong drink
שֵׁכָ֑ר (šê·ḵār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7941: An intoxicant, intensely alcoholic liquor

is a brawler,
הֹמֶ֣ה (hō·meh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1993: To make a, loud sound, commotion, tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

and whoever
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

is led astray
שֹׁ֥גֶה (šō·ḡeh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7686: To stray, to mistake, to transgress, to reel, be enraptured

by them
בּ֝֗וֹ (bōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

is not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

wise.
יֶחְכָּֽם׃ (yeḥ·kām)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2449: To be wise


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker and beer (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 19:29
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