משלי, פרק כ״ג, פסוק כ״ט

Excessive drinking presents a dangerous illusion. What begins as an innocent and joyful experience with wine ultimately masks a steep physical, social, and mental decline [אמרי דעת, אלשיך]. This path of deterioration is marked by relentless cries of pain, sorrow, and wailing that become the constant companions of the drunkard [רש״י, שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד, עמנואל הרומי]. A unique perspective suggests a direct cause and effect: these deep troubles and cries specifically find the person who is completely consumed by his own physical desires and lusts [מלבי״ם, אבן עזרא].

The damage extends heavily into the social sphere, characterized by constant quarrels and conflicts with others [רש״י, מצודת דוד, אלשיך]. Often, these disputes are fueled by the unrestrained, senseless chatter, complaints, and bitterness that take over an intoxicated person [רש״י, שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. This lack of a filter inevitably leads to fighting [מלבי״ם]. However, an uncommon view interprets this stage of decline not as senseless speech, but as actual physical plagues and blows [אבן עזרא].

The physical toll of drunkenness further manifests as bleeding wounds suffered for seemingly no reason. Commentators offer several explanations for how these senseless injuries occur. In a confused state, a drunkard might start a fight, and when struck back, mistakenly believe he was attacked as an innocent victim [מצודת דוד]. Another possibility is that while wandering the streets at night, he is mistaken for a thief by city guards and beaten [אלשיך]. A third approach suggests there is no altercation at all; the intoxicated person simply loses his balance, falls, and injures himself, meaning the wounds are unprovoked because no outside force caused them [עמנואל הרומי].

The ultimate physical mark of this excess is a deep redness in the eyes. Far from a mere side effect, this is considered a mark of disgrace, reflecting the severe physical corruption of the body brought on by too much wine [רש״י, אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, עמנואל הרומי].