A brief summary is that those who persistently indulge their appetites without self-control put themselves at great risk of impoverishment, bringing both hardship and shame.
For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags. (v.21) These words, attributed to King Solomon (who reigned over Israel from around 970 BC to 931 BC), emphasize the disastrous outcomes of overindulgence. In biblical times, excessive eating and drinking were not merely private vices but also led to a negligent approach to one’s responsibilities, risking financial ruin and shame. Avoiding such habits is seen here as a demonstration of wisdom, since consistently indulging one’s appetites leaves little room for diligence in work or faith.
The verse paints a vivid image of someone rendered incapable of providing for their basic needs: drowsiness will clothe one with rags. (v.21) This language underscores how a sluggish and careless attitude, fueled by intemperance, leaves a person bereft of proper resources. Throughout scripture, we see this principle echoed in warnings against slothfulness and in calls for staying watchful. The New Testament similarly warns believers to be on guard against “dissipation” and drunkenness so that the heart remains devoted to God rather than enslaved to physical cravings (Luke 21:34).
In the broader context of Proverbs, the call to prudent living is grounded in a desire to honor God and steward one’s resources effectively. The pattern of giving in to gluttony or drunkenness stands in opposition to the wisdom taught by Solomon, because it leads to a life that lacks discipline and cultivates chaos instead of productivity and blessing.
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Proverbs 23:21 meaning
For the heavy drinker and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe one with rags. (v.21) These words, attributed to King Solomon (who reigned over Israel from around 970 BC to 931 BC), emphasize the disastrous outcomes of overindulgence. In biblical times, excessive eating and drinking were not merely private vices but also led to a negligent approach to one’s responsibilities, risking financial ruin and shame. Avoiding such habits is seen here as a demonstration of wisdom, since consistently indulging one’s appetites leaves little room for diligence in work or faith.
The verse paints a vivid image of someone rendered incapable of providing for their basic needs: drowsiness will clothe one with rags. (v.21) This language underscores how a sluggish and careless attitude, fueled by intemperance, leaves a person bereft of proper resources. Throughout scripture, we see this principle echoed in warnings against slothfulness and in calls for staying watchful. The New Testament similarly warns believers to be on guard against “dissipation” and drunkenness so that the heart remains devoted to God rather than enslaved to physical cravings (Luke 21:34).
In the broader context of Proverbs, the call to prudent living is grounded in a desire to honor God and steward one’s resources effectively. The pattern of giving in to gluttony or drunkenness stands in opposition to the wisdom taught by Solomon, because it leads to a life that lacks discipline and cultivates chaos instead of productivity and blessing.