Wine Is a Scoffer and the Scoffing of Torah Study

Midrash Mishlei 20:1

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"Wine is a scoffer, strong drink is riotous" (Proverbs 20:1). Rabbi Ze'ira said: These are the words of Torah, which are likened to wine, as it is said, "Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine I have mixed" (Proverbs 9:5). And everyone who scoffs at the words of Torah is called a scoffer. "Wine is a scoffer, strong drink is riotous." Rabbi Yohanan said: All kinds of drink are good for a dream except for wine. Why? If one is worthy, it gladdens him, and if not, it desolates him. It gladdens him, as it is written, "Wine gladdens the heart of man" (Psalms 104:15). If he is not worthy, it desolates him, as it is written, "Wine is a scoffer, strong drink is riotous, and whoever errs through it shall not become wise."

Themes

TorahWisdomDreams

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