Proverbs 23:19-21·~1 min
Saying 16
The son is told to be wise and set his heart straight rather than joining heavy drinkers and gluttons, because such indulgence ends in poverty and ragged sleepiness. Wisdom here directs companionship and appetite toward a sustainable path.
L19isten, my son, and be wise, 20Do not join those who drink too much wine 21For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,
Section summaryThe sixteenth saying calls the son to wisdom of heart and warns against joining drunkards and gluttons whose indulgence leads to poverty and shameful stupor. It shows that appetite without restraint devours not only resources but alertness and dignity.
Role in the chapterThis section functions as a warning against ruinous company and consumption. Its work is to keep the hearer from social patterns that normalize self-destruction.