Proverbs 20:1

Wine ¹  is a mocker ²  and strong drink is a brawler; whoever goes astray by them is not wise. ³ 

Ge 9:21-23; Ge 19:31-36; 1Sa 25:36-38; 2Sa 11:13; 2Sa 13:28; 1Ki 20:16-21; Pr 23:29-35; Pr 31:4; Isa 28:7; Ho 4:11; Ho 7:5; Hab 2:15,16; 1Co 6:10; Ga 5:21; Eph 5:18

¹ sn The drinks are wine and barley beer (e.g., Lev 10:9; Deut 14:26; Isa 28:7). These terms here could be understood as personifications, but better as metonymies for those who drink wine and beer. The inebriated person mocks and brawls.

² tn The two participles לֵץ (lets, “mocker”) and הֹמֶה (homeh, “brawler”) are substantives; they function as predicates in the sentence. Excessive use of intoxicants excites the drinker to boisterous behavior and aggressive attitudes – it turns them into mockers and brawlers.

³ sn The proverb does not prohibit the use of wine or beer; in fact, strong drink was used at festivals and celebrations. But intoxication was considered out of bounds for a member of the covenant community (e.g., 23:20-21, 29-35; 31:4-7). To be led astray by their use is not wise.