Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 20:1

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; And whosoever erreth thereby is not wise." — Proverbs 20:1 (ASV)

“Wine” and “strong drink” are personified as themselves doing what they make men do. The latter (see Leviticus 10:9 note) is here, probably, the “palm-wine” of Syria.