Proverbs 31:4

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Proverbs 31
  4. Proverbs 31:4

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Proverbs 1 Proverbs 2 Proverbs 3 Proverbs 4 Proverbs 5 Proverbs 6 Proverbs 7 Proverbs 8 Proverbs 9 Proverbs 10 Proverbs 11 Proverbs 12 Proverbs 13 Proverbs 14 Proverbs 15 Proverbs 16 Proverbs 17 Proverbs 18 Proverbs 19 Proverbs 20 Proverbs 21 Proverbs 22 Proverbs 23 Proverbs 24 Proverbs 25 Proverbs 26 Proverbs 27 Proverbs 28 Proverbs 29 Proverbs 30 Proverbs 31

Verse

Proverbs 31:1 Proverbs 31:2 Proverbs 31:3 Proverbs 31:4 Proverbs 31:5 Proverbs 31:6 Proverbs 31:7 Proverbs 31:8 Proverbs 31:9 Proverbs 31:10 Proverbs 31:11 Proverbs 31:12 Proverbs 31:13 Proverbs 31:14 Proverbs 31:15 Proverbs 31:16 Proverbs 31:17 Proverbs 31:18 Proverbs 31:19 Proverbs 31:20 Proverbs 31:21 Proverbs 31:22 Proverbs 31:23 Proverbs 31:24 Proverbs 31:25 Proverbs 31:26 Proverbs 31:27 Proverbs 31:28 Proverbs 31:29 Proverbs 31:30 Proverbs 31:31

Proverbs 31:4 KJV

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

Previous Verse
« Proverbs 31:3
Next Verse
Proverbs 31:5 »

Proverbs 31:4 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Proverbs 31:4

Proverbs 31:4 states:

"It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink." (KJV)

Introduction

This passage is part of the closing chapter of the Book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to King Lemuel, possibly Solomon, reflecting wisdom that is crucial for rulers and leaders. The context suggests a wisdom imparted by a mother or mentor to guide the future king in making choices that reflect righteousness and responsibility.

The Nature of Leadership

Matthew Henry emphasizes that kings are set apart, bearing the weight of leadership that carries a great moral burden. The ingestion of alcohol may impair judgment, which is critical for those who lead. He articulates that a ruler must maintain clarity of mind and strength of character to govern effectively.

Albert Barnes notes that the very act of drinking can lead to societal chaos, particularly if those in power succumb to intoxication. It reflects a principle that applies not only to kings but to all who hold positions of authority. The potential loss of self-control and the vulnerability to temptation can have dire consequences for governance.

Warnings Against Excess

Adam Clarke delves into the consequences of excessive drinking, relating it to the spiritual and moral degradation that can follow. He brings forth the idea that indulgence in wine and strong drink could lead to a disconnect from one's responsibilities and moral obligations, resulting in negative societal impacts. Clarke also implies that true strength and exaltation come from avoiding such vices, thus maintaining one's integrity and purpose.

Understanding the Symbolism

Alcohol is often symbolic of temptation and distraction from one's divine purpose in the scriptures. This advice given to Lemuel serves as an admonition against the allurements of life that can lead to moral compromise. Engaging in practices that detract from wise leadership is timely given the context of the pressures faced by rulers. It is a call to a higher standard, where temperance becomes a virtue of a wise leader.

The Broader Application

  • Divine Wisdom: The proverb evokes a divine prudence that transcends mere abstinence from alcohol; it is a call to a lifestyle of wisdom, responsibility, and thoughtfulness.
  • Influence on Society: Those in leadership positions are reminded of their role as influencers; their actions can set standards for others. The instruction extends to those in various secular and religious leadership forms.
  • Spiritual Narrative: Caution against indulgence can be tied to broader biblical themes of holiness and the call to live above reproach, resonating with calls to Christian discipleship.

Conclusion

Proverbs 31:4 is not merely a caution regarding the consumption of wine; it is an invitation to reflect upon the nature of leadership and the moral imperatives that guide it. In resonating with the insights of various biblical commentators, we are urged to consider our own lives in light of wisdom, self-control, and the responsibility we bear as we influence those around us. Pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars are called to contemplate how this passage informs our understanding of leadership today, urging us to champion a lifestyle marked by wisdom and temperance.

Proverbs 31 (KJV) Verse Selection

Proverbs 31:1 Proverbs 31:2 Proverbs 31:3 Proverbs 31:4 Proverbs 31:5 Proverbs 31:6 Proverbs 31:7 Proverbs 31:8 Proverbs 31:9 Proverbs 31:10 Proverbs 31:11 Proverbs 31:12 Proverbs 31:13 Proverbs 31:14 Proverbs 31:15 Proverbs 31:16 Proverbs 31:17 Proverbs 31:18 Proverbs 31:19 Proverbs 31:20 Proverbs 31:21 Proverbs 31:22 Proverbs 31:23 Proverbs 31:24 Proverbs 31:25 Proverbs 31:26 Proverbs 31:27 Proverbs 31:28 Proverbs 31:29 Proverbs 31:30 Proverbs 31:31

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »