Proverbs 31:6

Proverbs 31:6 is part of the counsel given to King Lemuel by his mother, following a warning against the dangers of alcohol for rulers. This verse presents a specific, compassionate application for strong drink and wine, distinct from its recreational or abusive use.

Context

This verse immediately follows Proverbs 31:4-5, where King Lemuel's mother sternly warns against kings and princes indulging in "strong drink" and "wine," lest they forget the law and pervert justice. In sharp contrast, verse 6 shifts focus to those at the lowest ebb of life: the dying and the deeply sorrowful. It suggests a merciful, palliative use of alcohol, rather than a general endorsement of its consumption for pleasure or regular consumption.

Key Themes and Messages

• Compassion for the Suffering: The primary message is one of profound empathy and care for those undergoing extreme distress. It calls for offering comfort and relief to individuals who are literally "ready to perish" or are overwhelmed by grief.
• Medicinal/Palliative Use: In ancient contexts, strong drink could serve as an anesthetic or pain reliever. This verse highlights a specific, limited application of alcohol for medicinal purposes, to alleviate suffering in the dying or those with unbearable emotional pain. It is not an encouragement for habitual or recreational drinking, which is often condemned elsewhere in wisdom literature (e.g., Proverbs 20:1).
• Mercy and Care for the Vulnerable: The verse underscores the importance of showing mercy to the most vulnerable members of society. It's a call to action to alleviate the bitter experiences of the afflicted, demonstrating a deep concern for human suffering.

Linguistic Insights

• "Strong drink" (Hebrew: shekar) refers to fermented beverages other than grape wine, often implying something more potent or intoxicating.
• "Ready to perish" (Hebrew: 'abad): This term conveys a state of being lost, destroyed, or dying, indicating someone in a desperate, terminal condition.
• "Heavy hearts" (Hebrew: mare nephesh): Literally translates to "bitter of soul" or "bitter in spirit," describing profound sorrow, deep grief, or despair that makes life almost unbearable.

Practical Application

While modern medicine provides more effective and safer pain relief, the underlying principle behind Proverbs 31:6 remains highly relevant. It encourages us to extend compassion and practical aid to those who are suffering immensely, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually. This could involve:

• Providing comfort and support to the terminally ill, ensuring their last days are as peaceful as possible.
• Offering solace and practical help to those deep in grief or despair, which might involve counseling, companionship, or practical assistance.
• Advocating for and supporting ministries or services that care for the most vulnerable and afflicted in society, reflecting the spirit of Christ's teaching on caring for "the least of these".

The verse serves as a powerful reminder that true wisdom includes empathy and active compassion for those who are truly brokenhearted and without hope, offering relief where possible.