Proverbs 31:6

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

Proverbs 31:6 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 31:6

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish
Thou, O Lemuel, and other kings and judges, rather than drink strong drink yourselves, least to excess; give it out of your great abundance and liberality to poor persons in starving circumstances, who must perish, unless relieved; it will do them good, moderately used; and should they drink too freely, which they ought not, yet it would not be attended with such bad consequences as if kings and princes should; and wine to those that be of heavy heart;
of melancholy dispositions, under gloomy apprehensions of things; pressed with the weight of their affliction and poverty: or, "bitter in soul" ^F9; such as God has dealt bitterly with, as Naomi says was her case, and therefore called her own name Marah, which signifies bitter; of such a sorrowful spirit, and one thus bitter in soul, was Hannah; and so Job, and others; persons in great affliction and distress, to whom life itself is bitter; see ( Ruth 1:20 ) ( 1 Samuel 1:10 ) ( Job 3:20 ) ( 10:1 ) ; now wine to such is very exhilarating and cheering; see ( Judges 9:13 ) ( Psalms 104:15 ) .

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 (vpn yrml) "his qui amaro sunt animo", V. L. Pagninus, Tigurine version: "amaris animo", Montanus, Junius & Tremellius; "amaris animus", Vatablus, Piscator.

Proverbs 31:6 In-Context

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.

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

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

7 Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.

8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.