Proverbs 31:6
Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't about encouraging drunkenness, but about recognizing that sometimes a drink can be a merciful medicine, a temporary relief for those on the brink of despair or suffering. It highlights the careful, considered use of something powerful, not its casual indulgence.
This passage isn't about the queen advising the king to get drunk, but rather about the appropriate use of strong drink. It's a section where the queen is teaching her son, King Lemuel, about wisdom and justice, warning him against the seductive dangers of alcohol and immorality, particularly for rulers. The verse appears within a larger instruction to the king, emphasizing that while alcohol has its uses as a medicine or a comfort for the suffering, it's entirely unsuitable for someone in a position of authority like a king.
Understand the original words
shekar · Hebrew Noun
A general term for intoxicating fermented liquor, often associated with luxury, celebration, but also medicinal use or temporary relief from pain. In biblical contexts, its use is often warned against for leaders or those seeking wisdom, though recognized for its numbing properties.
abad · Hebrew Verb/Participle
A state of being on the verge of death or destruction, often used to describe the spiritually lost or those facing physical termination. It implies a condition of extreme helplessness requiring intervention.
yayin · Hebrew Noun
A fermented drink made from grapes, frequently used in the Bible as a symbol of joy, God's blessing, or the blood of Christ. Like strong drink, it is subject to warnings regarding overindulgence and its ability to impair judgment.
clarkeProverbs 31:6: "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts."
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish - We have already seen, that inebriating drinks were mercifully given to condemned criminals, to render them less sensible of the torture they endured in dying. This is what was offered to our Lord; but he refused it. See note on Psalm 104:15 .
pulpitProverbs 31:6: "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts."
Verse 6. - There are cases where strong drink may be properly administered. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish (Job 29:13; Job 31:19). As a restorative, a cordial, or a medicine, wine may he advantageously used; it has a place in the providential economy of God. "Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities," was St. Paul's advice to Timothy (…
This verse isn't about encouraging drunkenness, but about recognizing that sometimes a drink can be a merciful medicine, a temporary relief for those on the brink of despair or suffering. It highlights the careful, considered use of something powerful, not its casual indulgence.
This passage isn't about the queen advising the king to get drunk, but rather about the appropriate use of strong drink. It's a section where the queen is teaching her son, King Lemuel, about wisdom and justice, warning him against the seductive dangers of alcohol and immorality, particularly for rulers. The verse appears within a larger instruction to the king, emphasizing that while alcohol has its uses as a medicine or a comfort for the suffering, it's entirely unsuitable for someone in a position of authority like a king.
This passage isn't about the queen advising the king to get drunk, but rather about the appropriate use of strong drink. It's a section where the queen is teaching her son, King Lemuel, about wisdom and justice, warning him against the seductive dangers of alcohol and immorality, particularly for rulers. The verse appears within a larger instruction to the king, emphasizing that while alcohol has its uses as a medicine or a comfort for the suffering, it's entirely unsuitable for someone in a position of authority like a king.
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marah nephesh · Hebrew Noun phrase
Deep, agonizing sorrow or pain of spirit. It refers to a state of hopelessness or extreme affliction that weighs heavily on the soul.
"Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;" — This verse isn't about encouraging drunkenness, but about recognizing that sometimes a drink can be a merciful medicine, a temporary relief for those on the brink of despair or suffering. It highligh…
