The Preacher asks to warn and challenge the reader by illustrating the painful effects of overindulgence in wine (Proverbs 23:29-30). The rhetorical nature emphasizes the inevitability of suffering from drunkenness, aiming to persuade the audience to avoid this behavior and embrace wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).

The Preacher, traditionally Solomon, poses these rhetorical questions and immediately provides the answer: those who ‘tarry long over wine’ and ‘go to try mixed wine’ suffer woe, sorrow, strife, complaints, wounds without cause, and redness of eyes (Proverbs 23:30-31). The response highlights the consequences of excessive drinking.

Both Wiersbe and Henry emphasize the rhetorical power of this question-answer format. Wiersbe notes the Preacher’s vivid description of the consequences of drunkenness—woe, sorrow, and strife—as a sober warning to the reader. Henry highlights how the question engages the reader to reflect on the folly of overindulgence and the inevitable pain it brings. The ‘wounds without cause’ and ‘redness of eyes’ symbolize both physical and emotional suffering. This passage serves as a timeless admonition to pursue wisdom and restraint, aligning with biblical calls to live soberly and righteously (Proverbs 23:31-35; Ephesians 5:18). The Preacher’s tone is pastoral yet urgent, encouraging self-examination and repentance.