Proverbs 23:21 Meaning and Explanation
“For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Drunkenness and gluttony lead to poverty; laziness results in destitution.
The Context of Proverbs 23:21
Natural consequence: appetite and laziness produce poverty.
What Does Proverbs 23:21 Mean?
The drunkard's drinking and the glutton's eating are forms of self-indulgence that waste resources and undermine the discipline needed for provision. The verse shows the practical consequence—not judgment, but simple cause and effect: unchecked appetite leads to want.
Drowsiness (sloth) compounds the problem. The person who gives himself to sleep and inactivity cannot maintain work or household. The combination of indulgence and laziness inevitably results in poverty and shame (rags as a sign of destitution).
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 23:21
What does Proverbs 23:21 mean?
Drunkenness and gluttony lead to poverty; laziness results in destitution.
What is the context of Proverbs 23:21?
Natural consequence: appetite and laziness produce poverty.