What is the meaning of Proverbs 23:29? 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” (again Proverbs 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. summary Proverbs 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. |
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