Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't promoting regular drinking, but highlights wine's specific, merciful use as a potent "cordial" or medicine for those truly at their breaking point, whether facing death or extreme despair. It corrects the idea that anything strong is automatically bad, showing that God’s good gifts can be used for healing and comfort in severe distress.
Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a mother's instruction to her son, King Lemuel, about how to rule justly and wisely, warning him against the seductive dangers of women and wine. It presents an exception to the general prohibition of excess, suggesting that strong drink can serve a merciful purpose as a temporary relief or anesthetic for those in extreme suffering or facing death. This contrasts with the king's own need for clear judgment, where such indulgence would be disastrous.
Ever feel like wine is just... there? This verse gives a specific, surprising reason why God allows intoxicating drink.
Proverbs 31:6 isn't a blank check for drinking. It highlights a specific, limited use: as a powerful medicine.
The Purpose of the Draught
The verse says, 'Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress.' This isn't about casual enjoyment or escaping reality. It's about providing a desperate remedy for extreme suffering.
Think of it as a potent, last-resort cordial. The original Hebrew for 'perishing' suggests fainting or being overwhelmed. For someone in that state, a strong drink could be a literal lifeline, a physical restorative.
The Heart's Deepest Woes
Similarly, 'bitter distress' points to profound sorrow, a soul weighed down. Wine, in this context, is seen as something that could offer temporary relief from crushing emotional pain. It's medicine to calm a turbulent spirit.
This passage isn't just for the common person. It draws a sharp contrast with how leaders should approach drink, revealing a crucial principle.
While Proverbs 31:6 offers a legitimate, albeit rare, use for intoxicating drink, it implicitly warns against its misuse, especially by those in power.
The King's Responsibility
Ask a follow-up
The broader context of Proverbs 31 deals with kings and their conduct. Verse 5 explicitly states kings 'should not drink wine,' not because it's inherently evil, but because of its potential for abuse.
Why Kings Must Abstain
This verse, and the ancient practice it describes, points to a profound truth about Jesus and His ultimate act of love.
The practice mentioned in Proverbs 31:6 – offering a drugged drink to those facing death – has a direct connection to Jesus' crucifixion.
The Refused Draught
When Jesus was on the cross, He was offered wine mixed with myrrh (or gall), a soporific meant to dull the pain of crucifixion (Matthew 27:34). He refused it.
Why Jesus Said No
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.
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.
This passage describes Job's past generosity and compassion, highlighting how he brought comfort and relief to those in distress, mirroring the compassionate intent behind offering wine to the suffering in Proverbs 31:6.
Psalm 104:15This Psalm celebrates God's provision of wine that 'makes glad the heart of man,' aligning with the idea in Proverbs 31:6 that wine can serve a positive, comforting purpose when used appropriately.
Matthew 27:34This verse recounts the offering of wine mixed with gall to Jesus at His crucifixion, a practice likely rooted in the principle of Proverbs 31:6 to numb pain, which Jesus refused to fully accept the suffering He came to endure.
1 Timothy 5:23Paul's advice to Timothy to 'use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent ailments' directly supports the idea that wine can have medicinal and restorative purposes, as alluded to in Proverbs 31:6.
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 promoting regular drinking, but highlights wine's specific, merciful use as a potent "cordial" or medicine for those truly at their breaking point, whether facing death or extreme despair. It corrects the idea that anything strong is automatically bad, showing that God’s good gifts can be used for healing and comfort in severe distress.
This verse is part of a mother's instruction to her son, King Lemuel, about how to rule justly and wisely, warning him against the seductive dangers of women and wine. It presents an exception to the general prohibition of excess, suggesting that strong drink can serve a merciful purpose as a temporary relief or anesthetic for those in extreme suffering or facing death. This contrasts with the king's own need for clear judgment, where such indulgence would be disastrous.
This verse is part of a mother's instruction to her son, King Lemuel, about how to rule justly and wisely, warning him against the seductive dangers of women and wine. It presents an exception to the general prohibition of excess, suggesting that strong drink can serve a merciful purpose as a temporary relief or anesthetic for those in extreme suffering or facing death. This contrasts with the king's own need for clear judgment, where such indulgence would be disastrous.
"Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;" — This verse isn't promoting regular drinking, but highlights wine's specific, merciful use as a potent "cordial" or medicine for those truly at their breaking point, whether facing death or extreme de…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026