Reference

Proverbs 31:4

Total AbstinenceWine vs Strong Drink Distinction
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:”
2

What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3

Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4

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

5

Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

Why This Verse Was Tagged

Total Abstinence
Keyword Match
80% relevance

This verse contains specific terms directly associated with this theme.

Wine vs Strong Drink Distinction
Keyword Match
80% relevance

This verse contains specific terms directly associated with this theme.

Counter-Arguments

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

Total Abstinence

The verse specifically warns against kings and princes drinking wine or strong drink, implying that it is their position and responsibilities that make it unsuitable, rather than a universal prohibition for all people. It is a warning about the potential for impaired judgment in leadership, not a blanket command for total abstinence for everyone.

Wine vs Strong Drink Distinction

The verse uses two distinct Hebrew words: "yayin" (wine) and "shekar" (strong drink). While this indicates a distinction in terminology, it doesn't inherently define them as substances with "different implications" in terms of their intoxicating effects, which is often the core of the "Wine vs Strong Drink Distinction" argument. The context of the verse is about the *effect* of these drinks on kings (making them forget the law), implying both are problematic for rulers due to their intoxicating

Total Abstinence
Total Abstinence

Cross-References

Proverbs 20:1Thematic

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

Proverbs 20:1Thematic

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”

Hosea 4:11Thematic

“Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.”

1 Timothy 5:23Thematic

“Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.”

Isaiah 5:22Thematic

“Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:”

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Thematic Connections

Total AbstinenceWine vs Strong Drink Distinction

Private Study Note