Proverbs 23:35

23:35 You will say, “They have struck me, but I am not harmed!

They beat me, but I did not know it!

When will I awake? I will look for another drink.”

Proverbs 24:12

24:12 If you say, “But we did not know about this,”

does not the one who evaluates hearts consider?

Does not the one who guards your life know?

Will he not repay each person according to his deeds?


tn The phrase “You will say” is supplied in the translation to make it clear that the drunkard is now speaking.

sn The line describes how one who is intoxicated does not feel the pain, even though beaten by others. He does not even remember it.

tn The last line has only “I will add I will seek it again.” The use of אוֹסִיף (’osif) signals a verbal hendiadys with the next verb: “I will again seek it.” In this context the suffix on the verb refers to the wine – the drunkard wants to go and get another drink.

tn Heb “weighs” (so NASB, NIV, NRSV) meaning “tests” or “evaluates.”

sn The verse completes the saying by affirming that people will be judged responsible for helping those in mortal danger. The verse uses a series of rhetorical questions to affirm that God knows our hearts and we cannot plead ignorance.