Proverbs 31:6 kjv

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

Proverbs 31:6 nkjv

Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart.

Proverbs 31:6 niv

Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!

Proverbs 31:6 esv

Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;

Proverbs 31:6 nlt

Alcohol is for the dying,
and wine for those in bitter distress.

Proverbs 31 verses

Proverbs 31 6 Meaning

Proverbs 31:6 advises giving strong drink and wine to those who are on the verge of collapse, physically perishing, or burdened with profoundly bitter and heavy hearts. This counsel from a mother to a king (King Lemuel) is not a general endorsement of alcohol consumption, but rather a compassionate instruction to provide temporary relief and solace to those in extreme suffering, distress, or facing impending death, offering a brief respite from their overwhelming pain or misery.

Proverbs 31 6 Context

Proverbs chapter 31 is renowned for the "Ode to the Virtuous Woman" (vv. 10-31), but its opening verses (vv. 1-9) contain the "words of King Lemuel," presented as an "utterance which his mother taught him." This sets the context: moral and ethical instruction from a queen mother to her son, a king, guiding him in righteous rule. The preceding verses (vv. 4-5) specifically warn the king against consuming strong drink and wine, emphasizing that it impairs judgment, causing rulers to forget the law and pervert justice, particularly for the afflicted. Verse 6 immediately follows this warning, providing a stark contrast by identifying specific scenarios where strong drink is appropriate – not for the ruler's pleasure, but as an act of compassion for the suffering. Historically, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, wine and strong drink were common beverages, also recognized for medicinal properties, particularly as an analgesic. This context clarifies that the verse is a specific act of mercy, not a contradiction of general warnings against excess, but rather a delineation of appropriate and inappropriate uses based on circumstance and role.

Proverbs 31 6 Word analysis

• "Give" (Hebrew: Tĕnû - תְּנוּ): An imperative, plural verb. This suggests a direct command from the queen mother to her son (and potentially his court or attendants), implying active benevolence and providing aid. It underscores the responsibility of those in power to show care.
• "strong drink" (Hebrew: shēkār - שֵׁכָר): Refers to any fermented intoxicating beverage not made from grapes (e.g., beer, mead, date wine). It implies a more potent alcoholic concoction than standard wine, chosen specifically for its strong anaesthetic or dulling effect.
• "unto him that is ready to perish" (Hebrew: l'ōvēd - לְאֹבֵד): Lit. "to the one perishing," "to the lost," or "to him about to die/destroyed." This describes someone in a state of utter desperation, perhaps terminally ill, facing execution, or overwhelmed by such grave circumstances that they are psychologically "lost" or literally near death. It points to extreme, acute suffering.
• "and wine" (Hebrew: wĕyāyin - וָיַיִן): Fermented grape juice. While generally less potent than shēkār, it still provides intoxicating effects. Its inclusion shows a broad category of alcohol available for this compassionate purpose.
• "unto those that be of heavy hearts" (Hebrew: lamaray-nephesh - לְמָרֵי נָפֶשׁ): Lit. "to those bitter of soul" or "bitter in spirit/mind." This signifies deep inner anguish, profound grief, intense emotional distress, or extreme bitterness arising from life's trials and injustices. It captures the essence of deep psychological and emotional torment.

Words-group analysis:

• "Give strong drink... and wine...": The pairing of shēkār and yāyin highlights the readiness to provide potent relief. It signifies using the most effective means available to alleviate profound suffering, rather than a mere casual drink. It speaks to a measured, deliberate provision.
• "him that is ready to perish, and those that be of heavy hearts": These two phrases identify distinct but often interconnected categories of extreme human suffering – physical decay leading to death, and profound emotional/spiritual distress. The inclusion of both underscores the king's responsibility to empathize with and offer practical comfort for all forms of intense misery, providing a temporary mental escape for those overwhelmed by circumstances they cannot change.

Proverbs 31 6 Bonus section

• Not a Mandate for Drunkenness: It is critical to interpret this verse within the larger biblical context, which strongly condemns drunkenness and its negative consequences. This passage is a highly specific, conditional permission for compassionate care in dire circumstances, not a general license for consumption or abuse of alcohol.
• Ethical Debate: This verse is often cited in discussions about Christian alcohol consumption. Understanding its specific context helps differentiate between compassionate medical use/an anodyne for intense suffering and recreational indulgence or drunkenness, which the Bible widely prohibits (e.g., Eph 5:18). The king, though warned against drinking himself, is commanded to use it for compassion.
• King's Responsibility: The mother's teaching highlights a facet of royal responsibility often overlooked: extending practical mercy to those at the lowest ebb of life, a key characteristic of a just and benevolent ruler who truly cares for the suffering of his people. This connects to a broader biblical theme of advocating for and defending the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31 6 Commentary

Proverbs 31:6-7 offers a striking complement to the earlier verses, presenting a nuanced perspective on the use of alcohol. While King Lemuel is sternly warned against drinking lest it impair his judgment and ability to dispense justice (Pr 31:4-5), he is then instructed to provide such intoxicating beverages to the truly desperate. This reveals that the issue is not alcohol itself, but its purpose and user. For the king, clear judgment is paramount; for the perishing or heavy-hearted, temporary oblivion may be an act of profound compassion.

The counsel acknowledges human fragility and the overwhelming nature of certain pains – a physical body "perishing" or a soul deeply "bitter." In an age without modern pain relief, alcohol served as a practical, albeit temporary, anodyne. The intent is not escapism from responsibility or a means for sinful revelry, but an act of mercy, allowing the afflicted a momentary respite from their inescapable anguish. It enables them to "forget their poverty" and "remember their misery no more" (Pr 31:7). This practical wisdom demonstrates that genuine compassion includes offering comfort and alleviating suffering, even if that comfort comes in unexpected forms. It underscores a key aspect of righteous leadership: to not only judge justly but also to care practically for the most vulnerable and afflicted members of society.