Proverbs 23:21for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags.
The setting
Ancient Israel, ~950 BC. A wise father explaining cause and effect to his son. Jerusalem, Israel.
The emotion here: matter-of-fact warning as a loving parent
The original word
tardema (תַּרְדֵּמָה) — deep sleep, stupor from overindulgence, not refreshing rest
Why it matters
In ancient times, torn clothes were a visible sign of poverty and social disgrace
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 23:21
The word 'clothe' is ironic — excess undresses you of prosperity and dignity
Common misconceptionPeople focus on the drinking and eating, missing that this is primarily about the poverty that follows — it's economic wisdom disguised as moral teaching.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 23:21
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 23:21 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 23:21 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the Divided Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Solomon. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 20% and a tone that is prophetic. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include consequences, self-control. Notable phrases: drunkard and glutton; become poor; clothed in rags. This verse contains prophecy.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Proverbs 23:21 mean to you, today?
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