Proverbs 31:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Lest they drink {H8354}, and forget {H7911} the law {H2710}, and pervert {H8138} the judgment {H1779} of any of the afflicted {H1121}{H6040}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For they may drink, then forget what has been decreed, and pervert the justice due to the poor.

Berean Standard Bible

lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice.

American Standard Version

Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:5 delivers a solemn warning from King Lemuel's mother to those in positions of authority, particularly kings and rulers, against the perils of excessive indulgence in strong drink. It asserts that intoxication leads to a profound dereliction of duty, causing leaders to forget the divine and established laws, thereby corrupting their ability to administer impartial justice. The verse specifically highlights the devastating consequence of such impairment on the most vulnerable members of society—the afflicted—whose rights and welfare are most dependent on the clear-headed integrity of their leaders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 31:5 is an integral part of the "words of King Lemuel" (Proverbs 31:1), a section widely understood as the wise instruction given to a king by his mother. This counsel, spanning verses 1-9, focuses specifically on the moral and practical responsibilities of a righteous ruler. The preceding verse, [Proverbs 31:4](/proverbs/31-4 "Proverbs 31:4 - Kings and Strong Drink"), directly sets the stage by admonishing kings not to crave strong drink, establishing the theme of temperance for leadership. Verse 5 then elaborates on the precise dangers and negative outcomes of disregarding this admonition, detailing how such indulgence directly undermines the core functions of royal justice and protection for the vulnerable. The passage as a whole serves as a powerful guide for ethical governance, emphasizing integrity, compassion, and sound judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, kings were often viewed as divine representatives, responsible for upholding cosmic order and administering justice, especially on behalf of the poor and marginalized. This was particularly true in Israel, where the king was expected to embody the righteousness of Yahweh and enforce the Mosaic Law. Alcohol, while present in society, was understood to have intoxicating effects that could impair judgment and lead to moral failings. For a king, whose decisions impacted the entire populace, any impairment of judgment was catastrophic. The "afflicted" (`'ŏnîy`) in this context refers to the poor, oppressed, widowed, orphaned, and otherwise vulnerable members of society who lacked power and relied on the justice system for their protection. The cultural expectation was that a just ruler would be their advocate, not their oppressor or one who neglected their pleas.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the **Integrity of Leadership**, asserting that a leader's personal conduct directly impacts their public duty. Impaired judgment due to intoxication is presented as a fundamental threat to this integrity. Secondly, it highlights the **Necessity of Justice for the Vulnerable**, emphasizing that the primary victims of a compromised justice system are those who are already disadvantaged. This resonates with the recurring biblical call for rulers to "defend the rights of the poor and needy" as seen in [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak for the Voiceless") and throughout the prophetic tradition, such as [Isaiah 1:17](/isaiah/1-17 "Isaiah 1:17 - Learn to Do Good; Seek Justice"). Thirdly, the verse points to the **Peril of Impaired Judgment**, illustrating how a clouded mind leads to a distortion of truth and a departure from established moral and legal principles, which is disastrous for any society built on divine law.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **drink (Hebrew, _shâthâh'_ H8354):** This primitive root means "to imbibe," encompassing both literal and figurative consumption. In this context, it specifically refers to the consumption of intoxicating beverages to the point of drunkenness. The warning is not against merely tasting wine, but against the kind of drinking that leads to impaired faculties, rendering one "drunk" or a "drunkard." For a ruler, this implies a state where clear thought and responsible action are compromised.
* **law (Hebrew, _châqaq'_ H2710):** While translated as "law" (a noun) in the KJV, the underlying Hebrew root is a primitive verb meaning "to hack, engrave," and by implication, "to enact" or "prescribe." This highlights the *origin* and *authority* of the law: it is not arbitrary but established and fixed, like something carved in stone. To "forget" this "law" means to disregard the foundational, divinely ordained principles upon which just governance is built, losing sight of the very essence of righteous decree and the process by which it is established and upheld.
* **pervert (Hebrew, _shânâh'_ H8138):** This root means "to fold" or "duplicate," but by implication, it can mean "to transmute," "alter," "change," or "disguise." In the context of judgment, it signifies a deliberate twisting, distorting, or corrupting of what is right and just. It implies a change from righteousness to unrighteousness, from truth to falsehood, leading to an unjust outcome. This is not merely a mistake but an active distortion of justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Lest they drink":** This opening phrase immediately sets a cautionary tone, introducing the primary action that leads to negative consequences. It refers to the consumption of strong drink by those in authority, implying an indulgence that goes beyond moderation and leads to intoxication.
* **"and forget the law":** The first direct consequence of such drinking is the loss of memory or disregard for "the law." This "law" (`châqaq`) refers to the established statutes, divine commands, and moral principles that govern a righteous society and guide a just ruler. Forgetting it means abandoning one's foundational duties and the very framework of justice.
* **"and pervert the judgment":** This is the second, and arguably more devastating, consequence. "Pervert" (`shânâh`) means to twist, alter, or distort, while "judgment" (`dîyn`) refers to a just decision, a legal ruling, or the act of administering justice. An intoxicated ruler cannot render fair judgment; their decisions will be biased, arbitrary, or simply wrong, leading to injustice.
* **"of any of the afflicted":** This specifies the primary victims of such perverted judgment. "Afflicted" (a phrase derived from `bên` H1121, "son/one of," and `ʻŏnîy` H6040, "misery/affliction") refers to the poor, oppressed, vulnerable, and marginalized members of society. They are precisely those who most depend on the impartiality and integrity of the justice system for their protection and vindication. When judgment is perverted, they suffer most.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent warning. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "Lest they drink," where "drink" stands for the state of drunkenness and its resultant impaired judgment. The act of drinking is presented as the cause, and the subsequent moral and legal failings are the effects. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism** (specifically, synthetic parallelism) by presenting a sequence of consequences: forgetting the law is directly linked to and amplified by the perverting of judgment. This emphasizes the chain reaction of moral decay. Furthermore, the focus on "the afflicted" serves as a powerful appeal to **Pathos**, evoking empathy and highlighting the severe human cost of a leader's moral failure. The stark contrast between a ruler's expected duty and the reality of their compromised state underscores the gravity of the warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 31:5 resonates deeply with the biblical emphasis on divine justice and the sacred responsibility of leadership. God himself is depicted as the ultimate righteous judge, one who "loves justice" ([Psalm 37:28](/psalm/37-28 "Psalm 37:28 - The Lord Loves Justice")) and whose character demands that His representatives on earth reflect this attribute. The warning against forgetting the law and perverting judgment is a direct echo of God's covenantal expectations for His people, particularly those entrusted with authority. It underscores that true leadership is not about personal indulgence but about selfless service, especially to those who are most vulnerable and cannot advocate for themselves. The verse implicitly connects a leader's personal discipline to the flourishing or suffering of an entire society, making the administration of justice a theological imperative.

* [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a Mocker")
* [Deuteronomy 16:19](/deuteronomy/16-19 "Deuteronomy 16:19 - Do Not Pervert Justice")
* [Isaiah 58:6](/isaiah/58-6 "Isaiah 58:6 - Loosen the Bonds of Injustice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While specifically addressed to kings, the profound principles embedded in Proverbs 31:5 possess timeless and universal application for all individuals, particularly those in positions of influence, whether in family, church, community, or professional life. The core message transcends literal alcohol consumption, extending to anything that clouds judgment, distorts perception, or compromises integrity—be it greed, unchecked ambition, personal bias, unchecked emotions, or even the intoxicating allure of power itself. We are called to cultivate self-control, clarity of mind, and unwavering adherence to moral and ethical principles, recognizing that our decisions, no matter how small, can have far-reaching consequences, especially for those who depend on our fairness and wisdom. This verse compels us to consider how we maintain intellectual and moral sobriety, ensuring that we never forget the "law" of God's truth and justice, nor "pervert judgment" for those entrusted to our care or those who are inherently disadvantaged. It serves as a powerful reminder that true leadership, in any sphere, is characterized by a vigilant commitment to righteousness and a compassionate advocacy for the vulnerable.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strong drink" or intoxicating influences in my life might be clouding my judgment or causing me to "forget the law" of God's principles?**
* **In what areas of my life, or in what relationships, might I be at risk of "perverting judgment," especially concerning those who are vulnerable or dependent on me?**
* **How can I actively cultivate a clearer mind and a more steadfast commitment to justice in my daily decisions and interactions?**
* **What practical steps can I take to advocate for "the afflicted" in my community or sphere of influence, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are upheld?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse prohibit all alcohol consumption for leaders, or for anyone?**

Answer: Proverbs 31:5, in conjunction with [Proverbs 31:4](/proverbs/31-4 "Proverbs 31:4 - Warning to Kings about Wine"), specifically warns against the *excessive* consumption of strong drink that leads to intoxication and impaired judgment. The emphasis is on the *effect* of drinking – forgetting the law and perverting justice – rather than a blanket prohibition on alcohol itself. While other biblical passages discuss the moderate use of wine (e.g., [Psalm 104:15](/psalm/104-15 "Psalm 104:15 - Wine That Makes the Heart Glad")), this passage highlights the particular danger for those in authority, whose clear-headedness is essential for their sacred duty to administer justice. For leaders, any consumption that risks compromising their integrity or ability to govern righteously is forbidden.

**Who are "the afflicted" mentioned in this verse, and why are they specifically highlighted?**

Answer: "The afflicted" (Hebrew: `bên 'ŏnîy`, literally "son of affliction" or "one of affliction") refers to the poor, the oppressed, the marginalized, the weak, and those who are suffering or in distress. They are specifically highlighted because they are the most vulnerable members of society, lacking power, influence, and resources to defend themselves. Their welfare and access to justice are entirely dependent on the integrity and impartiality of those in authority. When leaders' judgment is compromised, these are the first and most severely impacted, as their pleas for justice may be ignored, their rights trampled, or their cases unfairly judged. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's special concern for the poor and needy, and His expectation that His people, especially their leaders, will act as their advocates (e.g., [Proverbs 31:8-9](/proverbs/31-8 "Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak for the Voiceless")).

**How does this ancient wisdom apply to modern leadership and personal responsibility?**

Answer: This ancient wisdom remains profoundly relevant. For modern leaders, the "strong drink" can symbolize anything that impairs judgment and integrity: unchecked power, greed, personal biases, ideological rigidity, or even the demands of public opinion. The core message is that those in positions of influence must maintain absolute clarity of thought and moral uprightness to ensure fair and just decisions for all, especially the vulnerable. Personally, the verse calls all individuals to self-control and vigilance against anything that might cloud their moral compass or cause them to disregard truth and justice in their own lives and interactions. It serves as a timeless reminder that personal discipline is foundational to ethical conduct and responsible stewardship, whether in a public office or a private home.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:5, with its stern warning to earthly kings against perverting justice for the afflicted, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Unlike earthly rulers prone to human failings and the intoxicating effects of power or substance, Jesus perfectly embodied righteous judgment and unwavering integrity. He never "drank" to forget the law, but rather perfectly fulfilled it, declaring He came not to abolish but to "fulfill the Law and the Prophets" ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He never "perverted judgment"; instead, His entire ministry was characterized by impartial justice and profound compassion for "the afflicted." He consistently identified with the poor, the sick, the outcast, and the marginalized, actively seeking them out and bringing them healing, hope, and true justice ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). On the cross, Jesus bore the ultimate perversion of justice, yet through His sacrifice, He established a new and perfect righteousness, offering true justice and reconciliation for all who believe ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Faith")). As our eternal King, He reigns with perfect clarity, compassion, and justice, ensuring that the rights of His "afflicted" (His suffering people) will ultimately be vindicated, and all things will be set right in His perfect kingdom ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Habakkuk 2:5

¶ Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, [he is] a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and [is] as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people: