Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. Proverbs 31:6-7
Is this verse actually telling us to drink away our pain when life is heavy?
I’d really appreciate any biblical insight, especially how this fits with Proverbs’ other warnings about drunkenness, and how Christians should apply it today.
Every question about a Bible verse or passage should always be answered first with the same admonishment: “What is the context”. That means, among other things, who is writing and to whom, what is the contextual setting, what is the larger lesson of the whole surrounding idea (theme); how does the passage read within this greater context.
Proverbs 31 is no exception to this rule. The passage is much easier to understand within the context of a wise mother speaking to her son, the king, about ruling in righteousness.
KP
I don’t see drinking alcohol as a sin and it was appointed on certain feast days and other celebrations. Getting drunk is different and so there’s a responsibility that comes with drinking. These words are from a mother to a son and the son reigns as king. As a servant to the people, he has even more responsibility than the average person and craving alcohol has no place in a king’s life. For people who are perishing (and I assume that means life is ending) or for those who are depressed, let them turn to drink to help them get through. I don’t see that she is recommending this as a solution to their problem or even the best way to deal with it. It’s more like she’s saying, ‘This is not for you and if drinking is for anyone, let it be for those who are helped by it’.
“Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” Proverbs 31:6-7
Great question @JennyLynne
Looking at those specific verses in isolation can certainly make it seem like the Bible is offering a “happy hour” solution to life’s problems. However, when we look at the context, literary style, and the rest of the chapter, the meaning shifts from a literal command to a bit of sharp, royal irony.
The context of Proverbs 31 isn’t a general list of life hacks; it’s a mother’s advice to her son, King Lemuel, about how to be a just ruler. Just before verses 6–7, the mother warns:
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.” Proverbs 31:4-5
The author is setting up a stark contrast. Kings and leaders must stay sober because they have responsibilities. If they drink, they forget the law and fail the vulnerable. The “Perishing”: The suggestion to let the dying or the destitute drink is likely hyperbolic or sarcastic. It’s essentially saying, “Alcohol is for people who have nothing left to lose and no responsibilities to uphold. You, as a king, have everything to lose.”
In a literal sense, many scholars point out that in the ancient world, before modern anesthesia, strong drink was often used as a medicinal sedative for those in terminal physical pain (the “perishing”). However, using it to “forget poverty” is generally seen as a description of what people do rather than a divine prescription for how to handle stress. The Bible as a whole consistently warns against using substances to escape reality, Ephesians 5:18, or Proverbs 20:1.
Peter
The emphasis, I believe, is more on the character of one that wants to be wise in their judgments as a leader.
Proverbs 31:3 says, do not give your strength to women, nor “your ways” to “that” that which destroys kings. Both of which had destroyed kings.
Proverbs 31:4-5 says that it is not good for kings (leaders, or one who is leading), nor for princes (followers) to drink strong drink because we want to remember what is right, be sober-minded, and make righteous judgments for those that have “heavy hearts” and are “ready to perish”. Those that are spiritual, that are wise, are to lead.
**8 **Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
**9 **Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
We are to keep the Body of Christ lifted, encouraged, helping one another by giving in the area of need and most importantly, we are to pray always for one another. Without knowing the source, or reason for drinking or getting drunk, or any other destructive behavior, we sometimes don’t know how to help. Likewise, when you do know the source or problem we should still pray because I’ve learned that just because something is right doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do at that time or for that individual. Either way, for Believers, we are to look to Christ, for unbelievers, we offer Christ.
The context here is a mother warning her son against temptations that can undermine his kingship. The preceding verses, 31:1–2, establish her authority and urgency, as she addresses Lemuel personally, invoking both his maternal bond, my son, and his covenantal dedication, son of my vows.
Strength, likely physical, emotional, and moral vigor, should not be surrendered to women in ways that compromise judgment or distract from royal duties. The second clause, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings, broadens the warning beyond sexual temptation to any influence or behavior that historically led to the downfall of rulers. Both women and other destructive influences are linked through their potential to corrupt kingship, echoing the biblical theme that unchecked desires or alliances can destabilize leadership.
In other words, the verse is both a personal exhortation and a historical observation, as the mother reminds Lemuel that kings have been ruined repeatedly by indulgence, misaligned alliances, or misapplied passions. She is teaching restraint, wisdom, and vigilance, preparing him to embody justice and stewardship.
The structure of Proverbs 31 shows a movement from warning against destructive influences, verses 3–7, to active responsibility for justice and mercy, verses 8–9, the holistic vision of kingship. The mother is saying, do not let what has historically destroyed kings control you, instead, direct your strength toward righteous governance.
Proverbs 31:4–5 says that it is not good for kings, leaders, or those who are leading, nor for princes, those who follow them, to drink strong drink, because we are called to remember what is right, to be sober-minded, and to make righteous judgments for those who have heavy hearts and are ready to perish.
The passage emphasizes that leadership carries responsibility for justice and discernment, and that indulgence in wine or strong drink can cloud judgment, leading to harm for the vulnerable. Sober-mindedness is necessary to uphold the law, protect the afflicted, and govern with wisdom and integrity.
J.
Well; what does it say? Of a Bishop or Deacon: Not given to much drinking. A little Wine for thy stomach’s sake. Not being caught eating with the Glutton and Drinking with the Drunk. But, if I could offer my Humble Opinion: Confess any Fears of all UNSCRUPULOUS people and things and pretty soon, you should experience (I pray for you) a much reduced griefs, stresses and anxieties! Hope this helps.