Proverbs 31:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Give {H5414} strong drink {H7941} unto him that is ready to perish {H6}, and wine {H3196} unto those that be of heavy {H4751} hearts {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Give strong liquor to one who is perishing, wine to the deeply depressed;

Berean Standard Bible

Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul.

American Standard Version

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:6 presents a compassionate, context-specific directive from King Lemuel's mother, advocating for the provision of strong drink and wine not for self-indulgence or revelry, but as a form of palliative care. This counsel is intended for those on the brink of death or overwhelmed by profound sorrow, offering a temporary measure of relief from physical agony or emotional despair. It stands in stark contrast to the preceding warnings against alcohol for rulers, thereby highlighting a nuanced application of wisdom that prioritizes empathy and practical comfort for the most vulnerable members of society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 31 opens with "The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him," immediately establishing the authoritative and maternal source of the wisdom. Verses 1-9 form a distinct unit of advice primarily directed at a king concerning righteous governance. The immediate preceding verses, [Proverbs 31:4-5](/proverbs/31-4-5 "Proverbs 31:4-5 - Warning Against Alcohol for Kings"), contain a stern admonition against kings and rulers consuming "strong drink" and "wine," lest they "forget the law and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted." In striking juxtaposition, [Proverbs 31:6](/proverbs/31-6 "Proverbs 31:6 - Compassion for the Suffering") shifts the focus from the ruler's self-control to the ruler's responsibility to care for the suffering. It presents alcohol as a means of comfort for the perishing and the heavy-hearted, rather than a temptation for the powerful. This deliberate contrast underscores the nuanced and context-dependent nature of biblical wisdom, demonstrating that a substance or action can be detrimental in one context (for a ruler's clear judgment) but beneficial or merciful in another (for the dying or deeply grieved). The passage continues in [Proverbs 31:7](/proverbs/31-7 "Proverbs 31:7 - Let them drink and forget their misery") with a further explanation of this compassionate use, allowing the afflicted to "drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, wine and strong drink were common beverages, consumed in daily life, at celebrations, and during religious rituals. However, their intoxicating effects were well-understood, and wisdom literature frequently cautioned against their abuse (e.g., [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a Mocker")). Beyond recreational use, alcohol also had recognized medicinal properties. In a time before modern pharmaceuticals, it was employed as an analgesic, a sedative, and an antiseptic. Strong drink could provide significant pain relief and a temporary escape from overwhelming distress for those suffering from terminal illness, severe injury, or profound grief. The cultural understanding of hospitality and compassion also played a crucial role; providing comfort and relief to the dying or sorrowful was considered a moral imperative. This verse reflects a practical, compassionate application of available resources to alleviate human suffering, aligning with broader biblical themes of care for the vulnerable, as seen in the laws concerning the poor and needy in [Deuteronomy 15](/deuteronomy/15 "Deuteronomy 15 - Laws Concerning the Poor and Needy").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Compassion and Mercy**, emphasizing the ethical responsibility to care for the most vulnerable and afflicted members of society. This stands in stark contrast to the self-serving pursuit of pleasure often warned against in wisdom literature. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Contextual Wisdom**, demonstrating that principles are not always absolute but are applied with discernment based on the specific situation and the needs of individuals. While rulers are warned against alcohol for maintaining justice ([Proverbs 31:4](/proverbs/31-4 "Proverbs 31:4 - Kings and Strong Drink")), the suffering are offered it for solace. Thirdly, it touches upon the **Alleviation of Suffering**, presenting a practical, albeit ancient, method for mitigating physical pain and emotional anguish, reflecting a divine concern for human well-being even in dire circumstances. This theme resonates with the broader biblical call to justice and care for the marginalized, found throughout the prophetic books and the teachings of Jesus, such as in [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - Caring for the Least of These").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strong drink (Hebrew, _shêkâr'_):** From the root meaning to be intensely alcoholic, this term (H7941) refers to an intoxicant, specifically a fermented beverage other than grape wine, often implying something more potent or intensely alcoholic. In this context, it denotes a powerful alcoholic substance capable of inducing significant dulling of senses or consciousness, intended for medicinal or palliative use.
* **perish (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** This primitive root (H6) properly means to wander away or lose oneself, but by implication, to perish or be destroyed. The form used here, "ready to perish," describes someone in a desperate, terminal condition, facing imminent death, or utterly lost and without hope, on the verge of destruction or dissolution.
* **heavy (Hebrew, _mar'_):** This word (H4751), often translated as "bitter," describes a state of intense bitterness, whether literally in taste or figuratively in emotional experience. When combined with "hearts" (H5315, _nephesh_, meaning soul or inner being), it signifies profound sorrow, deep grief, or despair that makes life almost unbearable, a "bitter soul" or "discontented heart."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish":** This clause issues a direct command to provide a potent alcoholic beverage to individuals who are on the verge of death or utterly lost in profound despair. The "strong drink" is not for recreation but for palliative care, intended to alleviate the physical pain or mental anguish of someone in a terminal or desperate state. It speaks to a compassionate act of mercy, offering a measure of comfort and temporary oblivion to those facing the ultimate end or overwhelming hopelessness.
* **"and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts":** This parallel clause extends the compassionate directive to those experiencing deep emotional suffering. "Heavy hearts" (literally "bitter of soul") describes individuals overwhelmed by grief, sorrow, or despair. Wine, though typically less potent than "strong drink," is offered as a means to soothe their anguish, to dull the sharpness of their emotional pain, and to provide a temporary respite from their overwhelming sadness. This highlights the holistic nature of compassion, addressing both physical and emotional suffering with practical means available at the time.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Parallelism**, a foundational characteristic of Hebrew poetry, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first half using different but related terms. "Strong drink unto him that is ready to perish" is paralleled by "wine unto those that be of heavy hearts," with both clauses conveying the same core message of providing solace and relief to the deeply suffering. This repetition serves to emphasize the importance and breadth of the compassionate act. There is also an element of **Euphemism** or **Understatement** in the phrase "ready to perish," which delicately refers to those who are dying or in extreme distress without explicitly stating their terminal condition, allowing for a broader application to various forms of profound suffering and despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 31:6 profoundly illustrates the biblical mandate for compassion and practical care for the suffering, echoing the very heart of God's character. While the immediate context is the specific use of alcohol for palliative care in ancient times, the enduring theological principle is the responsibility to alleviate the distress of the vulnerable and brokenhearted. This verse stands as a testament to wisdom's call for empathy, urging humanity to extend tangible comfort to those facing the darkest moments of life, whether physical agony or profound emotional despair. It reminds us that true righteousness is not merely abstaining from evil, but actively pursuing good and mercy towards others, reflecting the divine attribute of being a God who sees and cares for the afflicted.

* [Isaiah 58:7](/isaiah/58-7 "Isaiah 58:7 - True Fasting and Justice")
* [Luke 10:33-34](/luke/10-33-34 "Luke 10:33-34 - The Good Samaritan's Compassion")
* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:6, though rooted in an ancient context, offers timeless wisdom regarding our posture toward human suffering. It compels us to move beyond judgment or indifference and actively seek ways to alleviate the burdens of those who are truly broken. While modern medicine provides more effective and safer means of pain relief than strong drink, the spirit of this verse remains profoundly relevant. It challenges us to identify those in our communities who are "perishing" from physical illness, emotional trauma, or spiritual despair and to extend practical, compassionate aid. This might involve providing comfort to the terminally ill, offering a listening ear and practical support to those grieving, advocating for social justice for the oppressed, or simply being a compassionate presence of hope and care for those who feel utterly lost. The verse is a powerful reminder that true wisdom manifests in empathetic action, demonstrating a deep concern for the well-being of others, especially the most vulnerable among us, and calling us to embody God's heart for the suffering in our daily lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my preconceived notions about the use of certain substances or the expression of compassion?**
* **In what ways can I practically apply the principle of "giving comfort to the perishing and heavy-hearted" in my own life and community today?**
* **How does this verse inform my understanding of God's heart for the suffering, and how might that influence my prayers or actions?**

### FAQ
**Does Proverbs 31:6 endorse recreational drinking or habitual alcohol consumption?**

Answer: No, Proverbs 31:6 does not endorse recreational or habitual alcohol consumption. Instead, it presents a very specific and limited application of strong drink and wine as a form of palliative care for those who are "ready to perish" or are "of heavy hearts." This is in stark contrast to the preceding verses, [Proverbs 31:4-5](/proverbs/31-4-5 "Proverbs 31:4-5 - Warning Against Alcohol for Kings"), which sternly warn kings and rulers against consuming alcohol lest it impair their judgment and lead to injustice. The wisdom here is highly contextual, focusing on compassion for the suffering rather than general endorsement of consumption for pleasure or regular use, which is often cautioned against elsewhere in the book of Proverbs (e.g., [Proverbs 23:20-21](/proverbs/23-20-21 "Proverbs 23:20-21 - Do not be with heavy drinkers")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:6, with its compassionate call to alleviate the suffering of the perishing and heavy-hearted, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of divine compassion, who came not for the healthy but for the sick, not for the righteous but for sinners—those who were truly "ready to perish" under the crushing weight of sin and despair ([Mark 2:17](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus came for sinners")). Jesus consistently demonstrated this mercy throughout His earthly ministry, healing the sick, casting out demons, and comforting the grieving. He offered true rest and solace to those with "heavy hearts," inviting all who are weary and burdened to come to Him for spiritual refreshment ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden")). Ultimately, Christ Himself endured the bitter cup of suffering and death on the cross, becoming the ultimate "perishing one" for our sake, so that we might receive eternal life and an end to our spiritual anguish ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - By His wounds we are healed")). His sacrifice provides the only true and lasting comfort for the soul, a peace that transcends all earthly pain and sorrow, a fulfillment far beyond any temporary relief offered by strong drink ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - My Peace I give to you")). Through His indwelling Spirit, He continues to minister to the brokenhearted, making His followers agents of His profound compassion in the world ([2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of all Comfort")).

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

1 Timothy 5:23

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

Psalms 104:15

And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart.

1 Samuel 1:10

And she [was] in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

2 Kings 4:27

And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul [is] vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid [it] from me, and hath not told me.

Job 29:13

The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.

1 Samuel 30:6

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

Job 3:20

¶ Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter [in] soul;