A royal mother offers a strict rebuke to her son, the king, warning him against surrendering to physical cravings. She focuses heavily on the dangers of drunkenness, cautioning that alcohol can severely impair a leader's judgment and ultimately ruin his ability to govern [ביאור שטיינזלץ, עמנואל הרומי].
The primary approach among commentators is that the king is reminded of his fundamental identity as someone who belongs entirely to God. Because kings are God's anointed, it is highly inappropriate for them to engage in wild, reckless behavior [רש"י, מצודת דוד]. The mother recalls her past vows, emphasizing that her son was meant to be a ruler dedicated to God and close to Him in all his actions, rather than a mere pleasure-seeker like other monarchs [רלב"ג, אלשיך]. Alternatively, this caution serves as a sharp, direct warning about his present behavior, suggesting that his current actions make him unworthy of being counted among true kings [מלבי"ם]. Heavy drinking and intoxication are deeply unsuited for royalty, as a king carries the heavy burden of guiding his nation with absolute clarity of mind [רש"י, מצודת דוד, עמנואל הרומי].
This standard of sobriety extends beyond the throne to the broader government, including governors, ministers, and royal advisors [מצודת ציון, מלבי"ם]. They are warned against consuming highly intoxicating beverages, specifically aged wine or particularly strong liquor [מצודת ציון, מלבי"ם]. Even if these officials occasionally drink regular wine, they must distance themselves entirely from stronger drinks [מלבי"ם].
Regarding how these officials should handle strong liquor, there are two main perspectives. The most common understanding is that this represents an absolute prohibition, meaning that rulers and ministers must not consume strong drink under any circumstances [רש"י, אבן עזרא, מצודת ציון, מלבי"ם]. Another perspective suggests that the critique is aimed at the underlying craving for alcohol. According to this view, it is disgraceful for leaders and judges to constantly chase after liquor, habitually asking where they might find a good drink to satisfy their desires [רלב"ג, אלשיך, ביאור שטיינזלץ, עמנואל הרומי].