Proverbs 23:31Don't look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.
The setting
Ancient Israel, ~950 BC. A father gives specific, practical advice about avoiding temptation...
The emotion here: urgent father protecting his child
The original word
re'ēh (רְאֵה) — to look with intent, to gaze longingly, not just casual seeing
Why it matters
Ancient wine cups were often made of polished bronze or silver to enhance the wine's sparkle
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 23:31
This is about the MOMENT before the choice — when it looks appealing, sparkles, goes down smooth
Common misconceptionPeople think this is about wine being evil, but it's about the seductive moment when addiction begins. Even good things become dangerous when they sparkle TOO much.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 23:31
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 23:31 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 23:31 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the United 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 commanding. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include temptation, self control. Notable phrases: don't look at wine; sparkles in cup. This verse contains a command.
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 23:31 mean to you, today?
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