What does it mean that wine is a mocker (Proverbs 20:1)?

Answer

The book of Proverbs states that “wine is a mocker” and that “beer is a brawler” and that “whoever is led astray by them is not wise” «Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: And whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. », (Proverbs 20:1). The Bible often mentions wine, sometimes positively when describing something satisfying in Song of Songs 7:9 or celebratory «Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. », (Ecclesiastes 9:7), and sometimes metaphorically negatively when describing God’s judgment «For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; It is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: But the dregs thereof, All the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them. », (Psalm 75:8) and wrath «the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: », (Revelation 14:10).

A mocker is someone who is hostile to a life of righteousness and ridicules all who would oppose him. Saying that “wine is a mocker” is a way of describing someone who succumbs to its influence: a drunk person tends to mock virtue and scoff at the things of God. Overall, the book of Proverbs offers guidance for living a wise and virtuous life—by avoiding actions that end up harming oneself and others. In Proverbs 20:1 specifically, wine and beer are persoUnified in their victims—they are enemies of wisdom who lead others astray. It can be said, then, that wine “mocks” the one who lives a self-controlled and righteous life because such a life is the opposite of one enslaved to alcohol.

The statement “wine is a mocker” is a warning against the harmful ways a person is affected by consuming too much wine. Consuming excessive wine (or any alcoholic beverage) negatively impacts one’s thinking and behavior, potentially leading to sinful actions. Those who indulge excessively in wine surrender themselves to its influence and allow it to govern their bodies. In a way, then, the wine ridicules their lack of self-control.

The Bible frequently cautions against excessive alcohol consumption due to its potential to result in sinful behavior. For instance, Paul instructs believers not to get drunk on wine as it leads to debauchery, or indulging in sinful pleasures «And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; », (Ephesians 5:18). In 1 Timothy 3:8, Paul directs Timothy to appoint deacons in the church who do not indulge in much wine. While wine and other alcoholic beverages can be consumed safely without leading to sin, we must heed the Bible’s stern warnings against excessive intake. Overindulgence in alcohol can result in sinful behaviors that “mock” the righteous, virtuous life God calls us to lead.