Proverbs 31:4

“[It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, etc.] It is not fit for them, it is very unbecoming them; it is dishonourable to them, to such as Lemuel was, or was likely to be; or far be it from kings, let no such thing be do ne by them, nor by thee; [it is] not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink; it is lawful for kings to drink wine in a moderate manner, and for princes, counsellors, and judges, to drink strong drink; meaning not such as is made of malt, which in those times was not used; but of honey, dates, pomegranates, and such like things; but then it was very unbecoming for either of them to drink any of these to excess; it is very disgraceful to any man to drink immoderately,…”

“Stimulants enfeeble reason, pervert the heart, and do not suit rulers, who need clear and steady minds, and well-governed affections (compare Pro 20:1; Pro 22:29). pervert . . . afflicted--They give unrighteous decisions against the poor.”

“Some read: “nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?” The “strong drink” Proverbs 20:1 was distilled from barley, or honey, or dates. return to 'Top of Page'”

“To drink - To excess. Proverbs 31:6”

“31:4-7 Too much wine numbs the senses. A king needs his wits about him and should not overindulge in alcohol.”

“Lev 10:9, Lev 10:10; Kg1 20:12, Kg1 20:16-20; Est 3:15; Ecc 10:17; Isa 28:7, Isa 28:8; Dan 5:2-4; Hos 4:11, Hos 4:12, Hos 7:3-5; Hab 2:5; Mar 6:21-28 Proverbs 31:5”

“Hence there now follows a warning against drunkenness, not unmediated by the reading למחות: 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, Not for kings to drink wine, Not for rulers to ask for intoxicating drink; 5 Lest he drink, and forget what is prescribed, And pervert the right of all the children of want. The usual translation of 4a is: non decet reges... (as e.g., also Mhlau); but in this אל is not rightly rendered, which indeed is at times only an οὐ, spoken with close interest, but yet first of all, especially in such paraenetic connection as here, it is a dissuasive μή. But now לא למלכים שׁתות or לא למלכים לשׁתּות, after Ch2 26:18; Mic 3:1, signifies: it is not the part of kings, it does not…”