Your eyes will see strange things
This phrase warns of the consequences of indulging in excessive drinking, as the context of Proverbs 23:29-35 addresses the dangers of wine and strong drink. The "strange things" refer to hallucinations or distorted perceptions that can occur under the influence of alcohol. In biblical times, wine was a common beverage, but its abuse was cautioned against, as seen in passages like Isaiah 5:11 and Ephesians 5:18. The imagery of seeing "strange things" can also symbolize spiritual deception, where one's discernment is clouded, leading to moral and spiritual confusion. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of maintaining sobriety and vigilance, as seen in 1 Peter 5:8.

and your mind will utter perversities
The mind, when impaired by alcohol, loses its ability to think clearly and morally, leading to the utterance of "perversities." This term suggests speech that is corrupt, immoral, or contrary to God's standards. The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of guarding one's speech, as seen in James 3:6-10, where the tongue is described as a powerful force capable of great harm. The connection between the heart and speech is also highlighted in Matthew 12:34, where Jesus teaches that the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. This phrase serves as a caution against allowing substances or influences that can lead to a loss of self-control and moral integrity.

1. Solomon
Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom and his role as the king of Israel. His writings often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.

2. Israel
The nation to whom Solomon originally addressed his wisdom literature. The cultural and religious context of Israel is essential for understanding the proverbs.

3. The Drunkard
While not a specific person, the drunkard is a character often referenced in Proverbs to illustrate the dangers of excessive drinking and the resulting moral and spiritual decline.The Dangers of Intoxication
Intoxication leads to impaired judgment and moral compromise. Proverbs 23:33 warns that alcohol can distort perception and speech, leading to sin.

Guarding the Mind
Believers are called to protect their minds from influences that lead to perverse thoughts and actions. This involves being mindful of what we consume, both physically and spiritually.

Pursuing Wisdom
Wisdom involves making choices that align with God's will. Avoiding substances that impair judgment is part of living wisely.

Spiritual Sobriety
Spiritual sobriety is essential for discerning God's truth and avoiding deception. This requires a commitment to prayer, scripture, and community accountability.

The Consequences of Sin
Sin has real consequences, both spiritually and physically. Recognizing the potential for sin in situations of impaired judgment can help believers avoid pitfalls.(33) Thine eyes shall behold strange women.--i.e., look out for them, impurity being the constant attendant of drunkenness. Or, the word may be translated "strange things," referring to the strange fancies of a drunkard, the horrible and fantastic visions present to his disordered brain.

Perverse things.--His notions of right and wrong being completely distorted.

Verse 33. - The excitement occasioned by wine is now described. Thine eyes shall behold strange women. Ewald, Delitzsch, and others take זָדות to mean "strange things," as affording a better parallel to the "perverse things" of the next clause. In this case the writer intends to denote the fantastic, often dreadful, images produced on the brain by the feverish condition of the inebriated. But the often denounced connection between drunkenness and incontinence, the constant reference to "strange women" in this book, and the general consensus of the versions, lead one to uphold the rendering of the Authorized Version. It seems, too, somewhat meagre to note these illusions as one of the terrible effects of intemperance, omitting all mention of the unbridling of lust, when the eyes look out for and rove after unchaste women. Thine heart shall utter perverse things (comp Proverbs 15:28; Matthew 15:19). The drunkard's notions are distorted, and his words partake of the same character; he confuses right and wrong; he says things which he would never speak if he were in full possession of his senses. Septuagint, "When thine eyes shall see a strange woman, then thy mouth shall speak perverse things."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Your eyes
עֵ֭ינֶיךָ (‘ê·ne·ḵā)
Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

will see
יִרְא֣וּ (yir·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

strange things,
זָר֑וֹת (zā·rō·wṯ)
Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 2114: To turn aside, to be a, foreigner, strange, profane, to commit adultery

and your mind
וְ֝לִבְּךָ֗ (wə·lib·bə·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

will utter
יְדַבֵּ֥ר (yə·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

perversities.
תַּהְפֻּכֽוֹת׃ (tah·pu·ḵō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8419: Perversity, perverse thing


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 23:33 Your eyes will see strange things (Prov. Pro Pr)