Reference

Proverbs 26:9

Drunkenness Condemned

“As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.”

The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.

As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

The great God that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors.

As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

Counter-Arguments

The strongest case that this verse does not belong in this theme.

Drunkenness Condemned

The verse does not explicitly condemn drunkenness. It uses the "drunkard" as part of a simile to illustrate the misuse of a parable by a fool. The focus is on the "fool" and the "parable," not on the "drunkard" or the act of "drunkenness." While the image of a thorn in a drunkard's hand might imply a negative consequence of drunkenness (loss of control, self-harm), the verse itself does not state that drunkenness is wrong or to be avoided. It's an illustrative comparison, not a direct condemnati

Drunkenness Condemned

Related Verses

Proverbs 26:7

“The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.”

Proverbs 23:9

“Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.”

Proverbs 26:6

“He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.”

Proverbs 26:11

“As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.”

Proverbs 15:2

“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”

Thematic Connections

Drunkenness Condemned

Private Study Note

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