Old Testament
Proverbs 23:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has conflicts? Who has babbling? Who has wounds without reason? Who has red eyes?
Compare translations
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
What Proverbs 23:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse from Proverbs 23:29 poses a series of rhetorical questions that highlight the negative consequences of excessive drinking and indulgence. It asks who experiences woe, sorrow, conflicts, and physical ailments like wounds and red eyes, all of which are often associated with the effects of alcohol. The verse serves as a warning about the dangers of overindulgence, particularly in drinking, which can lead to a range of problems including emotional distress, interpersonal conflicts, and physical harm. The imagery of red eyes suggests a lack of clarity and the toll that such a lifestyle can take on one's health and well-being. Overall, this passage encourages readers to reflect on their choices and the potential repercussions of their actions, particularly regarding substances that can impair judgment and lead to suffering.
How to apply Proverbs 23:29 to your life
To avoid the pitfalls described in this verse, it's important to practice moderation and self-control, especially regarding alcohol consumption. Reflect on your habits and consider how they affect your emotional and physical health. Make choices that promote well-being and positive relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 23:29
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 23:29
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 23:29 warn about?
Proverbs 23:29 warns about the negative consequences of excessive drinking and indulgence. It highlights the emotional and physical toll that such behaviors can take, including woe, sorrow, conflicts, and health issues like red eyes and wounds.
How can I apply Proverbs 23:29 to my life?
To apply Proverbs 23:29, practice moderation in your habits, especially regarding alcohol. Reflect on how your choices impact your emotional and physical health, and strive to make decisions that foster well-being and positive relationships.
What are the signs mentioned in Proverbs 23:29?
The signs mentioned in Proverbs 23:29 include woe, sorrow, conflicts, babbling, wounds without cause, and redness of eyes. These symptoms are often associated with the effects of excessive drinking and serve as a warning against overindulgence.
Why does Proverbs 23:29 use rhetorical questions?
Proverbs 23:29 uses rhetorical questions to provoke thought and self-reflection. By asking who experiences these negative consequences, it encourages readers to consider their own behaviors and the potential repercussions of indulgence.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.