Proverbs 31:5 kjv

Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Proverbs 31:5 nkjv

Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.

Proverbs 31:5 niv

lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

Proverbs 31:5 esv

lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

Proverbs 31:5 nlt

For if they drink, they may forget the law
and not give justice to the oppressed.

Proverbs 31 verses

Proverbs 31 5 Meaning

Proverbs 31:5 cautions individuals in positions of authority, particularly rulers and judges, against the consumption of intoxicating beverages. The verse outlines a direct and severe consequence: such impairment leads them to disregard established laws and decrees, consequently causing them to corrupt justice and deny fair treatment to the poor, oppressed, and vulnerable members of society. This highlights that a leader's personal choices have direct and far-reaching impacts on the well-being of the populace, especially those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Proverbs 31 5 Context

Proverbs 31 begins with the "words of King Lemuel," presented as an oracle taught to him by his mother. This frames the subsequent advice as royal instruction, emphasizing the profound moral and ethical standards necessary for a monarch. Verses 1-9 specifically address key dangers that threaten a king's integrity and ability to rule justly, namely sexual immorality and, as highlighted in verses 4-7, the abuse of strong drink. This passage underscores the vital role of a king as a guardian of justice and protector of the vulnerable within society. Historically, ancient Near Eastern kings often held ultimate judicial authority, making their personal conduct and capacity for impartial judgment crucial for social stability and the fair administration of the law. The mother's instruction positions a righteous king as a moral example and an advocate for the oppressed, consistent with wisdom literature's broader call for justice and integrity.

Proverbs 31 5 Word analysis

• Lest they drink (פֶּן יִשְׁתּוּ - pen yishtû): The introductory particle pen means "lest" or "so that not," serving as a strong warning against a feared negative outcome. Yishtû is from the verb shatah, "to drink." The emphasis is not on the act of drinking itself, but on drinking to excess, leading to impairment and neglect of crucial responsibilities.
• And forget (וְיִשְׁכְּחוּ - v’yishk’ḥû): Derived from shakach, meaning "to forget," "to neglect," or "to ignore." This term suggests a failure to retain or apply knowledge and principles that should guide one's actions, indicating more than just a memory lapse but a functional incapacitation to act righteously.
• What has been decreed (חֹק - choq): This Hebrew term refers to a "statute," "decree," "law," "ordinance," or "appointed portion." It encompasses both divine commandments and established legal frameworks that govern a society. Kings are bound to uphold and apply these laws faithfully, and forgetting them directly leads to injustice.
• And pervert (וִישַׁנּוּ - viyashnu): From the verb shanah, which signifies "to change," "to alter," or "to distort." In this judicial context, it means "to twist," "to warp," or "to turn aside" justice. This denotes a deliberate or consequence-driven act that deviates from the rightful course of law.
• The rights (דִּין - dîn): This noun refers to "judgment," "justice," "legal case," or "verdict." It encompasses the entitlements, claims, and due process that individuals are owed under the law, highlighting the just and equitable resolution of legal disputes.
• Of all the afflicted (כָּל־בְּנֵי עֹנִי - kol-b’nê ‘onî): Literally "all sons of affliction." B’nê (sons of) implies those characterized by, or belonging to, a particular state. Onî refers to affliction, misery, poverty, humility, or oppression. This phrase specifically identifies the most vulnerable in society—the poor, the downtrodden, and those lacking power or voice, who depend entirely on impartial justice.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• Lest they drink and forget: This opening phrase establishes a direct, causative link between the king's or judge's internal state (intoxication) and a critical cognitive failure (forgetting). It emphasizes that compromised mental faculties render a leader incapable of remembering and upholding the fundamental principles and laws required for their office.
• What has been decreed, and pervert: This pairing reveals the specific target of the "forgetting"—the choq (decree/law)—and the immediate, detrimental outcome of this forgetfulness: the viyashnu (perversion) of justice. The natural progression is from intellectual incapacitation to practical corruption of the legal process. The law, which should be the basis of fairness, becomes warped.
• The rights of all the afflicted: This concluding part specifies the unfortunate victims of the perverted justice. The din (rights/judgment) belonging to the vulnerable, the kol-b’nê ‘onî (all sons of affliction), are jeopardized. This powerfully underscores that those in positions of authority have a unique and solemn duty to protect society's weakest, and any failure on their part falls heaviest upon this demographic.

Proverbs 31 5 Bonus section

This divine wisdom from Proverbs extends beyond ancient kings and applies to any individual entrusted with significant decision-making power that impacts others, be it a judge, a civil leader, a corporate manager, or a spiritual elder. The principle remains constant: clarity of mind and uncompromised integrity are essential for rendering just decisions and fulfilling one's duty, particularly when those affected are vulnerable or have limited advocacy. Furthermore, the juxtaposition of this warning against drink for rulers with the allowance for wine to "those who are perishing" and "those in bitter distress" (Pro 31:6-7) highlights that the concern is not about alcohol's inherent evil, but its suitability for particular roles. A ruler's calling demands sobriety and sound judgment; therefore, any substance or habit that impedes this becomes unacceptable in the execution of their sacred duty to God and to others.

Proverbs 31 5 Commentary

Proverbs 31:5 presents a stark warning about the corrupting influence of strong drink on those in judicial or ruling positions. It is not merely a piece of moralistic advice but a foundational principle for just governance. The warning is two-fold: consuming intoxicants leads to "forgetting what has been decreed"—a lapse in the memory or adherence to established divine and human laws—and consequently, to "perverting the rights of all the afflicted." This verse directly connects a leader's personal indulgence to systemic injustice. A king or judge, whose mind is clouded by drink, cannot properly discern truth from falsehood, administer equitable judgment, or remember the statutes crucial for upholding righteousness. Such impaired judgment makes them susceptible to error, bribery, or negligence, inevitably resulting in the oppression of the poor and helpless who rely entirely on the impartiality of the legal system. The specific focus on "all the afflicted" underscores the unique vulnerability of those without means or voice, highlighting the sacred trust placed upon rulers to protect them. This verse implores leaders to maintain sober minds, for their integrity directly determines the fairness experienced by the most dependent members of their society.