It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

PROVERBS 31:4KJV
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Proverbs 31:4 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 31:4 mean?

Proverbs 31:4 warns that it is not fitting for kings or princes to drink wine or strong drink, because such behavior can cloud judgment and lead to poor decisions. The verse is a direct instruction to those in positions of authority to avoid things that might impair their ability to rule wisely.

In this verse, the speaker is the mother of Lemuel, giving advice to her son, who is either a king or being prepared for leadership. The setting is a wise mother teaching her son about the responsibilities and dangers that come with power. The verse highlights the importance of clear thinking and self-control for leaders, suggesting that indulgence in alcohol is especially risky for those who must make important decisions for others.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 31:4

  • מְלָכִים (melakhim, "kings"): This word refers specifically to rulers or those with governing authority. The repetition in the verse stresses that the warning applies to all who hold such positions, not just one individual.
  • לְמוּאֵל (Lemuel): This is the name of the person being addressed, and it means "belonging to God." The personal address shows the advice is meant to be taken seriously and personally.
  • שֵׁכָר (shekhar, "strong drink"): This word refers to intoxicating beverages other than wine, often understood as fermented drinks. The mention of both wine and strong drink covers all types of alcohol, emphasizing the breadth of the warning.

Why Proverbs 31:4 matters

  • Proverbs 31:4 clarifies that the warning is not a general prohibition against alcohol, but a specific caution for those in leadership roles, where clear judgment is crucial.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing that wisdom and self-control are essential qualities for anyone who leads others, setting the stage for the rest of the chapter’s description of wise and capable leadership.
  • The direct address to Lemuel highlights the personal responsibility leaders have to avoid things that could compromise their ability to serve others well.

Where else these words appear

“Lemuel” Hebrew H3927 · used in 2 verses

  • Proverbs 31:1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

“princes” Hebrew H7336 · used in 6 verses

  • Judges 5:3 Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.
  • Psalms 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
  • Isaiah 40:23 That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.

“for” Hebrew H335 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 3:9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
  • 1 Kings 13:12 And their father said unto them, What way went he? For his sons had seen what way the man of God went, which came from Judah.
  • Job 38:24 By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?

“for” Hebrew H176 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 24:49 And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.
  • Exodus 21:31 Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.
  • Judges 11:34 And Jephthah came to Mizpeh unto his house, and, behold, his daughter came out to meet him with timbrels and with dances: and she was his only child; beside her he had neither son nor daughter.