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strong drink is a brawler
Strong drink, likely referring to beverages with higher alcohol content than wine, is described as a "brawler," indicating its potential to incite violence and conflict. In ancient cultures, strong drink was often used in feasts and celebrations, but it also had the potential to lead to aggressive behavior and disputes. This phrase warns of the social and relational consequences of overindulgence. The imagery of a "brawler" suggests that strong drink can lead to physical altercations and a breakdown of community harmony. This is consistent with the biblical emphasis on peace and unity, as seen in passages likeRomans 14:19, which encourages believers to pursue peace and mutual edification.

and whoever is led astray by them is not wise
The phrase "led astray" implies a departure from the path of wisdom and righteousness. In the biblical context, wisdom is highly valued, often equated with the fear of the Lord and adherence to His commandments. Being "led astray" by wine and strong drink suggests a surrender to temptation and a failure to exercise discernment and self-control. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that contrasts the wise, who follow God's ways, with the foolish, who are swayed by worldly desires.Proverbs 23:29-35 further elaborates on the dangers of alcohol, painting a vivid picture of its potential to lead one away from wisdom and into a life of regret and sorrow.

“Wine is a mocker”. The proverb takes wine at face value: if misused, it turns on the drinker like a taunting companion.

•Proverbs 23:29-32 paints the same picture—wine “bites like a serpent,” ridiculing promises of pleasure and leaving pain instead.

•Isaiah 5:11 warns of those who “run after their drinks,” only to find emptiness.

• The mockery hits reputation and discernment; as Noah discovered inGenesis 9:20-23, even a righteous man can become a laughingstock when he lets wine take charge.

“Strong drink is a brawler”. Hard liquor escalates the problem from mockery to open conflict.

•Proverbs 23:29 asks, “Who has strife? Who has complaints?”—then answers, “Those who linger over wine.”

•1 Samuel 25:36-38 shows Nabal feasting and drunk, oblivious to danger; his boorishness nearly cost lives.

• In the New Testament,Ephesians 5:18 contrasts being “filled with the Spirit” against being “drunk with wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion.” The Spirit unites; strong drink divides.

The issue is not the beverage itself but surrendering control. Wisdom is the ability to stay governed by God, not by a bottle.

•Proverbs 4:23 calls us to “guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Allowing alcohol to steer the heart forfeits that guard.

•Luke 21:34 cautions, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life.”

•1 Corinthians 6:10 warns that persistent drunkards “will not inherit the kingdom of God,” underscoring that habitual surrender to drink is incompatible with living under Christ’s lordship.

Proverbs 20:1 draws a straight line: misuse of alcohol first mocks, then fights, then masters. Wisdom keeps the upper hand by treating wine and strong drink with sobriety and restraint, choosing instead to be led by the Spirit and marked by self-control.

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

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 νήπιοςWhosoever 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).

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