Who has woe?This phrase introduces a series of rhetorical questions that highlight the consequences of excessive indulgence, particularly in alcohol. In biblical context, "woe" often signifies deep distress or calamity, as seen in
Isaiah 5:11-12, where those who pursue strong drink are warned of impending judgment. The term sets the stage for understanding the broader implications of a lifestyle that leads away from wisdom and towards self-destruction.
Who has sorrow?
Sorrow here refers to the emotional and spiritual pain that accompanies a life of indulgence. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, sorrow was often linked to the consequences of sin and disobedience to God's commandments. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that contrasts the fleeting pleasures of sin with the lasting joy found in obedience to God, as seen inPsalm 32:10-11.
Who has contentions?
Contentions, or strife, are a natural outcome of a lifestyle marked by excess and lack of self-control. Proverbs frequently warns against the dangers of quarrelsome behavior (Proverbs 17:14). In the historical context, such behavior would disrupt community harmony, which was vital for survival and prosperity in ancient societies.
Who has complaints?
Complaints arise from dissatisfaction and unrest, often stemming from unmet desires and the consequences of poor choices. Biblically, murmuring and complaining are seen as signs of a lack of faith and gratitude, as demonstrated by the Israelites in the wilderness (Exodus 16:2-3). This phrase serves as a warning against the discontent that follows a life not aligned with God's wisdom.
Who has needless wounds?
Needless wounds suggest self-inflicted harm resulting from reckless behavior. In the ancient world, physical injuries could have severe consequences due to limited medical knowledge and resources. This phrase underscores the tangible, physical dangers of a lifestyle characterized by excess, drawing a parallel to the spiritual wounds caused by sin.
Who has bloodshot eyes?
Bloodshot eyes are a visible sign of overindulgence, particularly in alcohol. This imagery would have been easily understood in the ancient Near Eastern context, where wine was a common part of daily life but also a potential source of moral and physical decline. The phrase serves as a vivid reminder of the outward manifestations of inner folly, echoing the biblical theme that one's actions and choices are ultimately revealed in their countenance and health.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Wise AuthorTraditionally, King Solomon is credited with writing the Proverbs. Known for his wisdom, Solomon provides insights into the human condition and the consequences of certain behaviors.
2.
The DrunkardThis verse implicitly refers to individuals who indulge excessively in alcohol, leading to the woes and sorrows described.
3.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, where wine was a common beverage, but drunkenness was warned against.
4.
The CommunityThe broader community that witnesses and is affected by the behavior of the drunkard, highlighting the social implications of personal choices.
5.
The FamilyFamilies of those who struggle with alcohol, who may experience the ripple effects of the behaviors described in this verse.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of ExcessThis verse vividly describes the negative outcomes of excessive drinking, serving as a warning to avoid such behavior.
Wisdom in ModerationThe Bible consistently advocates for moderation and self-control, encouraging believers to exercise wisdom in their choices.
Impact on RelationshipsThe contentions and complaints mentioned highlight how excessive drinking can strain relationships and disrupt community harmony.
Physical and Emotional TollThe needless wounds and bloodshot eyes symbolize the physical and emotional damage that can result from a lack of self-control.
Spiritual VigilanceBelievers are called to be vigilant and sober-minded, recognizing that indulgence can dull spiritual sensitivity and hinder one's walk with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 23:29?
2.How does Proverbs 23:29 describe the consequences of excessive drinking?
3.What practical steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls in Proverbs 23:29?
4.How does Proverbs 23:29 connect with Ephesians 5:18 on sobriety?
5.In what ways can Proverbs 23:29 guide our choices in social settings?
6.How can we support others struggling with issues highlighted in Proverbs 23:29?
7.How does Proverbs 23:29 address the consequences of excessive drinking?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 23:29?
9.How does Proverbs 23:29 relate to modern issues of addiction?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 23?
11.What is the Bible's stance on alcohol consumption?
12.What wisdom and teachings do the Ketuvim offer?
13.What does "revellings" mean in the Bible?
14.What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:1?What Does Proverbs 23:29 Mean
Who has woe?Proverbs 23:29 opens with a sobering, rhetorical cry: “Who has woe?”. Woe signals misery that is deeper than momentary pain—an ongoing heaviness of soul. Scripture often joins woe to the misuse of alcohol. Isaiah laments, “Woe to those who rise early in the morning to pursue strong drink” (Isaiah 5:11). Solomon agrees: “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler” (Proverbs 20:1). In other words, the one who lets wine master him invites a pit of trouble that God never intended for His people.
Who has sorrow?Sorrow naturally follows woe, the way night follows dusk. When a person “lingers over wine” (Proverbs 23:30), regret piles up: broken promises, violated consciences, damaged relationships. Solomon warns, “In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper” (Proverbs 23:32). Noah’s post-flood fall (Genesis 9:21) shows how a single night of drunkenness can cast a shadow over an otherwise righteous life. Alcohol-driven choices leave a hangover of grief that lasts far beyond the empty glass.
Who has contentions?Contention speaks to the quarrels, fights, and drama that alcohol stirs up. Drunkenness loosens tongues and lowers restraints; the result is “brawling” (againProverbs 20:1). James reminds us that “wars and fights” erupt from desires at war within (James 4:1), and alcohol inflames those desires. Where Christ calls believers to “pursue peace with everyone” (Hebrews 12:14), intoxication multiplies conflict instead.
Who has complaints?Complaints picture the chronic grumbling that flows from unmet expectations and foggy thinking. Israel’s wilderness whining (Numbers 11:1) shows how complaining offends God, but alcohol makes it habitual. Paul urges, “Do everything without complaining or arguing” (Philippians 2:14). A drink-soaked life, however, swaps gratitude for grumbling, poisoning homes and friendships with negativity.
Who has needless wounds?The phrase literally points to injuries that never had to happen. Solomon illustrates it a few verses later: “They struck me, but I feel no pain! … When will I wake up to find another drink?” (Proverbs 23:35). From banged-up knuckles to wrecked cars, intoxication writes a catalogue of avoidable harm. God designed bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19); needless wounds deface that temple and testify to self-inflicted folly.
Who has bloodshot eyes?Bloodshot eyes reveal the physical toll—sleeplessness, dehydration, and internal strain. Solomon warns, “Your eyes will see strange things” (Proverbs 23:33). Paul draws the contrast: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). Spirit-filled eyes stay clear; wine-clouded eyes grow red and dim, advertising inward disorder.
summaryProverbs 23:29 strings together six vivid symptoms that all point to one culprit: the person enslaved to drink. Woe, sorrow, strife, grumbling, injury, and weary eyes are not random—they are predictable fruits of alcohol abuse. God records these warnings not to rob joy but to protect it. Choosing His Spirit over the bottle spares us needless heartache and opens the door to lasting peace, clear vision, and genuine fellowship with Him and with others.
(29)
Wounds without cause?--Which might have been avoided, and which serve no good end.
Redness of eyes?--Rather,dimness.
Verses 29-35. - Here follows a mashal ode or song on the subject of drunkenness, which is closely connected with the sin mentioned in the previous lines.
Verse 29. -
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? Hebrew,
lemi oi, lemi aboi, where
oi and
aboi are interjections of pain or grief. So Venetian,
τίνι αι} τίνι φεῦ; Revised Version margin,
Who hath Oh?
who hath Alas? The Vulgate has stumbled at the second expression, which is an
ἄπαξ λεγόμενον, and resolving it into two words, translates,
Cujus patri vae?
Contentions; the brawling and strife to which drunkenness leads (
Proverbs 20:1).
Babbling;
שִׂיחַ (
siach) is rather "meditation," "sorrowful thought" showing itself in complaining, regret for lost fortune, ruined health, alienated friends. Others render "misery,....penury." St. Jerome's
foveae is derived from a different reading. The LXX. has
κρίσεις, "lawsuits,"
ἀηδίαι καὶλέσχαι, "disgust and gossipings."
Wounds without cause; wounds which might have been avoided, the result of quarrels in which a sober man would never have engaged,
Redness of eyes. The Hebrew word
chakIi-luth is commonly taken to mean the flashing of eyes occasioned by vinous excitement. The Authorized Version refers it to the bloodshot appearance of a drunkard's eyes, as in
Genesis 49:12, according to the same version. but Delitzsch, Nowack, and many modern commentators consider that the word indicates "dimness of sight," that change in the power of vision when the stimulant reaches the brain. Septuagint, "Whose eyes are livid (
πελιδνοί)?" The effects of intemperance are described in a well known passage of Lucretius, 'De Rer. Nat.,' 3:475, etc. -
"Denique, cor hominum quota vini vis penetravit
Acris, et in venas discessit diditus ardor,
Consequitur gravitas membrorum, praespediuntur
Crura vacillanti, tardescit lingua, madet mens,
Nant oculei; clamor, singultus, jurgia gliscunt." We may refer to the article in Jeremy Taylor's 'Holy Living' on "Evil Consequents to Drunkenness," and to Ecclus. 34 (31):25, etc.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Whoלְמִ֨י(lə·mî)Preposition-l | Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixhas woe?א֥וֹי(’ō·w)Interjection
Strong's 188:Lamentation, Oh!Whoלְמִ֪י(lə·mî)Preposition-l | Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixhas sorrow?אֲב֡וֹי(’ă·ḇō·w)Interjection
Strong's 17:WantWhoלְמִ֤י(lə·mî)Preposition-l | Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixhas contentions?מִדְיָנִ֨ים ׀(miḏ·yā·nîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4066:A contest, quarrelWhoלְמִ֥י(lə·mî)Preposition-l | Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixhas complaints?שִׂ֗יחַ(śî·aḥ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7879:A contemplation, an utteranceWhoלְ֭מִי(lə·mî)Preposition-l | Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix{has} needlessחִנָּ֑ם(ḥin·nām)Adverb
Strong's 2600:Gratis, devoid of cost, reason, advantagewounds?פְּצָעִ֣ים(pə·ṣā·‘îm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6482:A bruise, woundWhoלְ֝מִ֗י(lə·mî)Preposition-l | Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixhas bloodshotחַכְלִל֥וּת(ḥaḵ·li·lūṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2448:Flash, blearednesseyes?עֵינָֽיִם׃(‘ê·nā·yim)Noun - cd
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountain
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who (Prov. Pro Pr) 
