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What does Proverbs 23:20 mean?

Don’t hang out with people who drink too much or stuff themselves with food. Proverbs 23:20 - Modern Text Bible

(Avoid the company of those who live for excess and indulgence.)

Choosing to hang out with people who eat or drink too much is a setup for trouble. This verse draws a clear line: who you spend time with shapes your habits, especially when it comes to self-control. The Hebrew word for 'glutton' here is zalal, which means to be loose or undisciplined, not just about food but about life in general. It's not just about calories or drinks—it's about the kind of life that ignores limits and consequences.

In a culture that often celebrates excess—more is better, right?—this advice pushes back. It suggests that always seeking the next thrill or indulgence can lead you away from what matters. The ancient world had its share of feasts and parties, but the warning is timeless: too much of anything, especially in the wrong company, can dull your judgment and drain your energy.

If you find yourself pulled toward crowds who live for the next big night out, or who always say yes to one more round, this verse is a gentle nudge to think twice. Surrounding yourself with people who value balance and self-respect can help you make choices that actually serve you, not just in the moment but for the long run.