Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, New Living Translation It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. English Standard Version It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, Berean Standard Bible It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, Berean Literal Bible Not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers strong drink, King James Bible It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: New King James Version It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; New American Standard Bible It is not for kings, Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire intoxicating drink, NASB 1995 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, NASB 1977 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, Legacy Standard Bible It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, Amplified Bible It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, Berean Annotated Bible It is not for kings, O Lemuel (for God), it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, Christian Standard Bible It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer. Holman Christian Standard Bible It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer. American Standard Version It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink? Contemporary English Version Kings and leaders should not get drunk or even want to drink. English Revised Version It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink? GOD'S WORD® Translation "It is not for kings, Lemuel. It is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave liquor. Good News Translation Listen, Lemuel. Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol. International Standard Version It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor. NET Bible It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, New Heart English Bible It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for princes to take strong drink, Webster's Bible Translation It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIt is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, World English Bible It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’ Literal Translations Literal Standard Version[It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, "" Not for kings, to drink wine, "" And for princes—a desire of strong drink. Berean Literal Bible Not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers strong drink, Young's Literal Translation Not for kings, O Lemuel, Not for kings, to drink wine, And for princes a desire of strong drink. Smith's Literal Translation Not for kings, O Lemuel, not for kings to drink and for princes the desire of strong drink: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleGive not to kings, O Lamuel, give not wine to kings: because there is no secret where drunkenness reigneth: Catholic Public Domain Version Not to kings, O Lamuel, not to kings give wine. For there are no secrets where drunkenness reigns. New American Bible It is not for kings, Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine; strong drink is not for princes, New Revised Standard Version It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOf kings, O Moael, be careful of kings who drink wine; and of princes who drink strong drink, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Beware of Kings, Moayl, of Kings that drink wine, and of Rulers that drink strong drink OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine: Nor for princes to say: 'Where is strong drink?' Brenton Septuagint Translation Princes are prone to anger: let them then not drink wine: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Words of King Lemuel…3Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin kings. 4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, 5lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice.… Cross References It is not for kings, O Lemuel, Deuteronomy 17:18-20 When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. / It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God by carefully observing all the words of this instruction and these statutes. / Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, and he will not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or to the left, in order that he and his sons may reign many years over his kingdom in Israel. Proverbs 16:12 Wicked behavior is detestable for kings, for a throne is established through righteousness. Psalm 2:10-12 Therefore be wise, O kings; be admonished, O judges of the earth. / Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. / Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. it is not for kings to drink wine, Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 Woe to you, O land whose king is a youth, and whose princes feast in the morning. / Blessed are you, O land whose king is a son of nobles, and whose princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness. Daniel 5:1-4 Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. / Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. / Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. … Hosea 7:5 The princes are inflamed with wine on the day of our king; so he joins hands with those who mock him. or for rulers to crave strong drink, Isaiah 28:7-8 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. / For all their tables are covered with vomit; there is not a place without filth. 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. … Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise. 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. 1 Timothy 3:3 not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money. Leviticus 10:9 “You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink when you enter the Tent of Meeting, or else you will die; this is a permanent statute for the generations to come. 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 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. 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! Treasury of Scripture It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Leviticus 10:9,10 Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: … 1 Kings 20:12,16-20 And it came to pass, when Benhadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city… Esther 3:15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed. Jump to Previous Beer Crave Desire Drink Kings Lemuel Princes Rulers Strong WineJump to Next Beer Crave Desire Drink Kings Lemuel Princes Rulers Strong WineProverbs 31 1. Lemuel's lesson of chastity and temperance6. The afflicted are to be comforted and defended 10. The praise and properties of a good wife It is not for kings, O Lemuel The name "Lemuel" is often understood to refer to a king, possibly a symbolic or poetic name, as it is not found elsewhere in the Bible. The advice given here is traditionally attributed to King Solomon's mother, Bathsheba, offering wisdom to her son. The role of a king in ancient Israel was to lead with wisdom and justice, reflecting God's rule. This phrase emphasizes the high calling and responsibility of kingship, suggesting that certain behaviors are not fitting for those in such positions of authority. it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave strong drink Persons / Places / Events 1. King LemuelA king who is traditionally believed to have received wise teachings from his mother. The identity of Lemuel is not definitively known, but he is often considered a symbolic or poetic figure representing any ruler or leader. 2. Kings and Rulers The verse addresses those in positions of authority and leadership, emphasizing their responsibility to govern wisely and justly. 3. Wine and Strong Drink These substances are used symbolically to represent indulgence and potential impairment of judgment, which can lead to poor decision-making. Teaching Points The Responsibility of LeadershipLeaders are called to a higher standard of conduct. Their decisions impact many, and thus they must remain clear-headed and wise. The Dangers of Indulgence While the Bible does not prohibit alcohol, it warns against excess and the loss of self-control, which can lead to moral and ethical failures. Wisdom in Decision-Making Leaders must prioritize wisdom and discernment over personal pleasure or indulgence to fulfill their roles effectively. The Influence of Role Models King Lemuel's mother serves as a role model, emphasizing the importance of wise counsel and guidance in shaping leaders. Self-Control as a Virtue Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit and is essential for anyone in a position of influence, ensuring that their actions align with godly principles. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 31:4?2. Why should kings avoid strong drink according to Proverbs 31:4? 3. How does Proverbs 31:4 relate to leadership responsibilities today? 4. What other scriptures warn against the dangers of alcohol consumption? 5. How can leaders ensure their judgment is not impaired by substances? 6. How can Proverbs 31:4 guide personal choices regarding alcohol? 7. Why does Proverbs 31:4 warn against kings drinking wine? 8. How does Proverbs 31:4 relate to leadership responsibilities? 9. What historical context influenced the message of Proverbs 31:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31? 11. What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life? 12. What defines a biblical proverb? 13. Who is King Lemuel in the Bible? 14. Numbers 6:2–3 — Why forbid all grape products without providing a clear historical or scientific rationale? What Does Proverbs 31:4 Mean It is not for kings- The verse opens with a double reminder that those who occupy the throne live under higher accountability. Kings are charged to lead with clarity, justice, and an undivided heart (cf. 2 Samuel 23:3–4; Romans 13:1–4). - Leadership is service. Any choice that might dull perception or impair judgement endangers the welfare of the people entrusted to a king’s care (Proverbs 28:16). - We hear echoes of God’s longstanding expectation: rulers must act in wisdom because their decisions carry national consequences (Deuteronomy 17:18–20). O Lemuel - Addressing Lemuel by name personalizes the counsel. The passage moves from generic principle to intimate advice, much like Paul speaking directly to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:11). - A mother’s plea reminds him of his identity before God. The same dynamic shows up in Proverbs 1:8–9 where parental instruction guards a son from destructive paths. - Being named underscores accountability: “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). it is not for kings to drink wine - Wine itself is not portrayed as inherently sinful—Scripture elsewhere allows its moderate, thankful use (Psalm 104:15; John 2:9–10). The issue here is suitability for a king on duty. - Proverbs 20:1 warns, “Wine is a mocker… whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Kings cannot risk even the first step toward compromised discernment (cf. Leviticus 10:9–10 where priests on duty must abstain). - Leadership demands clear thinking. An impaired ruler could misapply the law, fail to defend the vulnerable, or launch foolish wars (Proverbs 16:12). or for rulers to crave strong drink - “Crave” exposes the deeper danger: dependence. Once desire masters a leader, the people become vulnerable (Proverbs 23:31–32). - The caution mirrors qualifications for elders: “not given to drunkenness” (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7). God expects the same self-control from civil rulers that He requires of church overseers. - Isaiah 5:22 condemns leaders “mighty to drink wine… mixing strong drink,” which results in bribery and injustice (Isaiah 5:23). The pattern proves timeless: intoxication erodes moral courage. summary Proverbs 31:4 flatly states that intoxicating drink is out of place for rulers because it clouds judgement and endangers those they serve. A king’s calling is to preserve justice with a clear mind, free from the cravings that enslave. The verse invites every believer in positions of influence—parents, employers, public officials, spiritual leaders—to guard their sobriety, value self-control, and remember that godly leadership requires an undistracted, Spirit-directed heart. (4) It is not for kings to drink wine.--Another of the temptations of kings. (Comp. 1Kings 16:9; 1Kings 20:16; Ecclesiastes 10:17.) Perversion of justice as the result of revelry is also noted by Isaiah (Isaiah 5:22-23). Comp. St. Paul's advice to "use this world so as not abusing," or rather "using it to the full" (1Corinthians 7:31)Verses 4-7. - The second admonition. A warning against inebriety, and concerning a proper use of strong drink. Verse 4. - It is not for kings; or, as others read, far be it from kings. The injunction is repeated to indicate its vast importance. Nor for princes strong drink; literally, nor for princes (the word), Where is strong drink? (see on Proverbs 20:1; and comp. Job 15:23). The evils of intemperance, flagrant enough in the case of a private person, are greatly enhanced in the case of a king, whose misdeeds may affect a whole community, as the next verse intimates. St. Jerome reads differently, translating, "Because there is no secret where drunkenness reigns." This is in accordance with the proverb, "When wine goes in the secret comes out;" and, "Where drink enters, wisdom departs;" and again, "Quod latet in mente sobrii, hoc natat in ore ebrii." Septuagint, "The powerful are irascible, but let them not drink wine." "Drunkenness," says Jeremy Taylor ('Holy Living,' ch. 3, § 2), "opens all the sanctuaries of nature, and discovers the nakedness of the soul, all its weaknesses and follies; it multiplies sins and discovers them; it makes a man incapable of being a private friend or a public counsellor. It taketh a man's soul into slavery and imprisonment more than any vice whatsoever, because it disarms a man of all his reason and his wisdom, whereby he might be cured, and, therefore, commonly it grows upon him with age; a drunkard being still more a fool and less a man."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew It is notאַ֤ל (’al) Adverb Strong's 408: Not for kings, לַֽמְלָכִ֨ים ׀ (lam·lā·ḵîm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4428: A king O Lemuel, לְֽמוֹאֵ֗ל (lə·mō·w·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3927: Lemuel -- king of Massa it is not אַ֣ל (’al) Adverb Strong's 408: Not for kings לַֽמְלָכִ֣ים (lam·lā·ḵîm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4428: A king to drink שְׁתוֹ־ (šə·ṯōw-) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 8354: To imbibe wine, יָ֑יִן (yā·yin) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3196: Wine, intoxication or for rulers וּ֝לְרוֹזְנִ֗ים (ū·lə·rō·wz·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7336: To be weighty, judicious or commanding [to crave] אֵ֣י (’ê) Interrogative Strong's 176: Desire, if strong drink, שֵׁכָֽר׃ (šê·ḵār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7941: An intoxicant, intensely alcoholic liquor Links Proverbs 31:4 NIVProverbs 31:4 NLT Proverbs 31:4 ESV Proverbs 31:4 NASB Proverbs 31:4 KJV Proverbs 31:4 BibleApps.com Proverbs 31:4 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 31:4 Chinese Bible Proverbs 31:4 French Bible Proverbs 31:4 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:4 It is not for kings Lemuel (Prov. 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