At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
In the end, it will bite you like a snake and sting you like a poisonous viper.
This verse is warning that something seemingly harmless will eventually cause serious harm and pain.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of King Solomon, who is traditionally credited with writing much of the Book of Proverbs, wine and strong drink were common elements in ancient Israelite society, often used in feasts and daily life. However, the wisdom literature in Proverbs frequently cautions against the misuse of alcohol, emphasizing how it can deceive and lead to destructive outcomes. This verse specifically continues a warning in Proverbs 23 about the perils of overindulgence, using vivid imagery to show that what starts as pleasurable can end in pain.
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