Proverbs 23:19-21 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. 

‘Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh.’ A winebibber drinks alcohol habitually. The warning is not merely against drinking but against becoming associated with those whose lives revolve around intoxication and pleasure. The phrase “riotous eaters of flesh” refers to gluttons and pleasure-seekers who indulge themselves without restraint (1Jn. 2:15-17).

The emphasis is on companionship and influence. The command is: do not join them, do not imitate them, do not adopt their lifestyle, and do not make them your closest associates (2Corinthians 6:14 – 7:1). Scripture repeatedly teaches that companions influence character.

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1Cor. 15:33). A person’s friends often shape attitudes, values, habits, and spiritual direction. The wise choose companions who encourage godliness rather than indulgence.

The issue is not the use of food or drinking (non-toxic) beverages themselves, both of which are gifts from God. The issue is a lack of self-control. Throughout Scripture, uncontrolled appetites are condemned because they weaken spiritual discernment, waste resources, damage health, destroy families, and lead people away from God. What begins as enjoyment can become bondage when desires are allowed to rule one’s life.