Teks -- Proverbs 31:4 (NET)

31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per frasa)

Wesley: Pro 31:4 - To drink

To excess.

JFB: Pro 31:3-9

Succinct but solemn warnings against vices to which kings are peculiarly tempted, as carnal pleasures and oppressive and unrighteous government are used to sustain sensual indulgence.

JFB: Pro 31:3-9 - strength

Mental and bodily resources for health and comfort.

JFB: Pro 31:3-9 - thy ways

Or course of life.

JFB: Pro 31:3-9 - to that . . . kings

Literally, "to the destroying of kings," avoid destructive pleasures (compare Pro 5:9; Pro 7:22, Pro 7:27; Hos 4:11).

JFB: Pro 31:4-5

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).

JFB: Pro 31:4-5 - pervert . . . afflicted

They give unrighteous decisions against the poor.

Clarke: Pro 31:4 - It is not for kings - to drink wine

It is not for kings - to drink wine - An intemperate man is ill fit to hold the reins of government.

TSK: Pro 31:4

Lev 10:9, Lev 10:10; 1Ki 20:12, 1Ki 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

Tafsiran/Catatan -- Catatan Kata/Frasa (per Ayat)

Poole: Pro 31:4 - To drink wine

To drink wine to wit, to drunkenness or excess, as the next verse explains it.

Haydock: Pro 31:4 - Give

Give. Septuagint, "Do all with counsel. By advice drink wine. Lords are inclined to anger; let them not drink wine." (Haydock) ---

Solomon took this advice, Ecclesiastes ii. 3.

Gill: Pro 31:4 - It is not for kings, O Lemuel // it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink

It is not for kings, O Lemuel,.... 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, to make a beast of himself, and much more a king or judge, who, of all men, ought to be grave and sober; both that they may perform their office well, and maintain the grandeur and dignity of it, which otherwise would become useless and despicable, yea, pernicious, as follows. Solomon, notwithstanding this advice, gave himself unto wine as well as women, Ecc 2:3. The Targum is,

"take care of kings, O Lemuel, of kings who drink wine, and of princes that drink strong drink.''

So the Syriac version, keep no company with them, nor follow their example; see Ecc 10:17; The last clause may be rendered, "nor for princes to say, where is strong drink" ^d? where is it to be had? where is the best? as drunkards do; which is according to the marginal reading; but the "Cetib", or writing, is או, "or" ^e; but some render it as a noun, "the desire of strong drink" ^f: it does not become princes to covet it.