Proverbs 23:31 (BSB)

Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly.

From Proverbs 23. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 23:31

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 23:29-35: Solomon here gives fair warning against the sin of drunkenness, to confirm what he had said, Pro 23:20. I. He cautions all people to keep out of the way of temptations to this sin (Pro 23:31): Look not thou upon the wine when it is red. Red wine was in Canaan looked upon as the best wine, it is therefore called the blood of the grape.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 23:31: Look not thou upon the wine when it is red,.... Or, "because it is red" (r); or shows itself red. Which was the only wine used in the land of Canaan, or, however, the most esteemed of, and that most of art which had the best colour; when it had a good, bright, red colour, or sparkled, and looked bright and beautiful, so the word...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 23:31: when . . . red--the color denoting greater strength (compare Gen 49:11; Deu 32:14). giveth . . . cup--literally, "gives its eye," that is, sparkles. moveth . . . aright--Perhaps its foaming is meant.
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 23:29-35: Pro 23:29-35 The author passes from the sin of uncleanness to that of drunkenness; they are nearly related, for drunkenness excites fleshly lust; and to wallow with delight in the mire of sensuality, a man, created in the image of God, must first brutalize himself by intoxication. The Mashal in the number of its lines passes beyond the limits of the distich, and becomes a Mashal ode.