23:21 because drunkards and gluttons become impoverished,
and drowsiness 1 clothes them with rags. 2
28:7 The one who keeps the law 3 is a discerning child, 4
but a companion of gluttons brings shame 5 to his parents. 6
1 tn Here “drowsiness” is a metonymy of effect or adjunct, put for the drunkenness and gluttony that causes it. So all of it, the drunkenness and the drowsiness that comes from it, brings on the ruin (cf. CEV “you will end up poor”). Likewise, “rags” is a metonymy of adjunct, associated with the poverty brought on by a dissolute lifestyle.
2 sn This is the fourteenth saying, warning about poor associations. Drunkenness and gluttony represent the epitome of the lack of discipline. In the Mishnah they are used to measure a stubborn and rebellious son (m. Sanhedrin 8). W. G. Plaut notes that excessive drinking and eating are usually symptoms of deeper problems; we usually focus more on the drinking because it is dangerous to others (Proverbs, 241-42).
3 tn The Hebrew word could refer (1) to “instruction” by the father (cf. NCV) or (2) the Mosaic law (so most English versions). The chapter seems to be stressing religious obedience, so the referent is probably the law. Besides, the father’s teaching will be what the law demands, and the one who associates with gluttons is not abiding by the law.
4 tn Heb “son,” but the immediate context does not suggest limiting this only to male children.
5 sn The companion of gluttons shames his father and his family because such a life style as he now embraces is both unruly and antisocial.
6 tn Heb “father,” but the immediate context does not suggest limiting this only to the male parent.