Proverbs 31:7

KJV

Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let him drink {H8354}, and forget {H7911} his poverty {H7389}, and remember {H2142} his misery {H5999} no more.

Complete Jewish Bible

let him drink, forget his poverty and cease to remember his troubles.

Berean Standard Bible

Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

American Standard Version

Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 31:7, a striking verse from the wise counsel of King Lemuel's mother, offers a profound and often debated perspective on the use of strong drink. Following a stern injunction against alcohol for rulers, and a compassionate directive to offer it to the perishing, this verse suggests that for those steeped in the depths of destitution and overwhelming sorrow, intoxicating drink might provide a temporary, albeit problematic, respite from the crushing realities of their suffering, allowing them a fleeting oblivion from their dire circumstances and the relentless anguish of their lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 31:7 is embedded within the concluding chapter of the Book of Proverbs, specifically within "the words of King Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him" ([Proverbs 31:1](/proverbs/31-1 "Proverbs 31:1 - Introduction to King Lemuel's Mother's Instruction")). This section, [Proverbs 31:1-9](/proverbs/31-1-9 "Proverbs 31:1-9 - The Words of King Lemuel's Mother"), constitutes a distinct unit of royal instruction, primarily concerned with the moral responsibilities and character of a just king. The immediate preceding verses are vital for a comprehensive understanding of verse 7. [Proverbs 31:4-5](/proverbs/31-4-5 "Proverbs 31:4-5 - Warning Against Alcohol for Kings") delivers a strong warning to kings against consuming wine and strong drink, emphasizing that intoxication would compromise their judgment and lead to the perversion of justice for the afflicted. In stark contrast, [Proverbs 31:6](/proverbs/31-6 "Proverbs 31:6 - Give Strong Drink to the Perishing") then advises, "Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts." Verse 7 directly continues this thought, providing the rationale for this surprising counsel: that the suffering may find temporary oblivion from their pain. This sharp juxtaposition highlights a nuanced, rather than absolute, view of alcohol's role, distinguishing between its use by those in authority (who must maintain clear judgment for societal well-being) and those in extreme, debilitating distress (who seek temporary relief from overwhelming suffering).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wine and strong drink were common beverages, integral to daily life, social gatherings, and religious rituals. However, wisdom literature consistently cautioned against drunkenness and its associated vices, recognizing its potential for moral decay and ruin (e.g., [Proverbs 20:1](/proverbs/20-1 "Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a Mocker") and [Proverbs 23:29-35](/proverbs/23-29-35 "Proverbs 23:29-35 - The Woes of Drunkenness")). Yet, there was also an acknowledged understanding of alcohol's medicinal or palliative properties. It was sometimes employed as an anesthetic or pain reliever, as evidenced by the custom of offering wine mixed with gall or myrrh to those condemned to crucifixion, intended to dull their pain (e.g., [Mark 15:23](/mark/15-23 "Mark 15:23 - Wine Mixed with Myrrh Offered to Jesus")). The cultural context further acknowledges the harsh realities of poverty and misery in pre-modern societies, where destitution could be absolute and unrelenting, with minimal social safety nets or medical interventions. The advice in Proverbs 31:7, while not a blanket endorsement of intoxication, reflects a pragmatic, albeit limited, attempt to address the immediate, overwhelming suffering of the most vulnerable and desperate members of society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the theme of **compassion for the afflicted and marginalized**. The wisdom tradition consistently advocates for justice and active care for the poor, the needy, and the oppressed, emphasizing that such care reflects a proper reverence for God (e.g., [Proverbs 14:31](/proverbs/14-31 "Proverbs 14:31 - Oppressing the Poor Dishonors God")). Secondly, it highlights the **limitations of human solutions to profound suffering**. While offering temporary relief, the verse implicitly acknowledges that alcohol does not solve the root causes of poverty or misery but merely provides a fleeting escape from their immediate burden. Thirdly, it reinforces the **distinction between responsible leadership and the plight of the common person**, emphasizing that different societal roles carry different moral imperatives regarding self-control and judgment. Ultimately, the passage, by contrasting the king's required sobriety with the perishing's desperate need for oblivion, frames a broader discussion on the nature of suffering and the societal responsibility to alleviate it, even if the proposed means are temporary and imperfect.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forget (Hebrew, _shâkach'_):** From H7911, a primitive root meaning "to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention." This word signifies the core desired outcome of the drinking. It's not about a literal erasure of past events but about becoming unaware of, or no longer feeling the oppressive weight of, one's present, dire circumstances. The idiom implies a temporary cessation of mental anguish and preoccupation with one's troubles, a respite from the constant burden of their reality.
* **Poverty (Hebrew, _rêysh'_):** From H7389, meaning "poverty." This term denotes extreme destitution, lack of resources, and the harsh, grinding realities associated with material deprivation. The desire to "forget his poverty" speaks to the overwhelming and relentless nature of this condition, which often brings with it not only physical hardship but also deep psychological and emotional distress.
* **Misery (Hebrew, _ʻâmâl'_):** From H5999, meaning "toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind." This comprehensive term encompasses a broad spectrum of suffering, including physical pain, mental anguish, sorrow, trouble, and the wearisome burden of life's hardships. It often carries connotations of oppressive labor or the fruit of wickedness, but here it refers to the deep, pervasive suffering experienced by the poor and desperate. The desire to "remember his misery no more" speaks to the overwhelming and relentless nature of this suffering, which is so profound that even temporary oblivion is sought.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let him drink,"**: This opening clause functions as a direct imperative or strong recommendation, referring back to the "him that is ready to perish, and... those that be of heavy hearts" from the preceding verse ([Proverbs 31:6](/proverbs/31-6 "Proverbs 31:6 - Give Strong Drink to the Perishing")). The subject is explicitly not a king or a person of means, but one in extreme distress, suggesting a compassionate, albeit unconventional, allowance for temporary escape from their immediate pain. It is a pragmatic concession to overwhelming human suffering.
* **"and forget his poverty,"**: The immediate purpose of the drinking is stated: to induce forgetfulness. "Poverty" (Hebrew, _rêysh_) denotes destitution, extreme want, and the harsh realities associated with it. The act of forgetting here is not presented as a moral failing but as a desired psychological state—a temporary mental release from the constant, grinding burden of material deprivation and the anxieties it produces.
* **"and remember his misery no more."**: This clause serves as a poetic parallel to the preceding one, reinforcing and intensifying the desired effect. "Misery" (Hebrew, _ʻâmâl_) encompasses the toil, sorrow, and deep anguish that often accompany extreme poverty and despair. To "remember... no more" means to be free from the oppressive consciousness and emotional weight of this suffering, even if only for a brief period. The repetition emphasizes the profound depth of the suffering and the desperate, almost primal, need for relief from its relentless grip.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 31:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its nuanced message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which becomes strikingly evident when this verse is read in conjunction with the preceding counsel in [Proverbs 31:4-5](/proverbs/31-4-5 "Proverbs 31:4-5 - Warning Against Alcohol for Kings"). The strict prohibition of alcohol for kings (who require clear judgment for dispensing justice) is starkly contrasted with the compassionate allowance for the perishing (who seek temporary relief from overwhelming suffering). This highlights the nuanced and context-dependent nature of biblical wisdom, demonstrating that principles are applied differently based on specific circumstances and roles. There is also a clear example of **Parallelism** in the two clauses "forget his poverty" and "remember his misery no more." The second phrase reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first, employing synonymous terms ("poverty" and "misery") to emphasize the totality of the desired oblivion from suffering. The phrase "remember no more" can also be interpreted as a form of **Hyperbole**, as alcohol provides temporary forgetfulness rather than a permanent erasure of memory or condition, underscoring the intensity of the suffering that drives such a desperate desire for escape. Finally, the "drink" itself can be seen as a **Symbol** of temporary escape or palliative care in the face of insurmountable pain, pointing to the universal human yearning for relief from suffering when no other immediate solution is available.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though specific in its pragmatic counsel, resonates with broader biblical themes concerning God's profound concern for the poor and afflicted, and the pervasive reality of human suffering in a fallen world. While it presents a temporary, pragmatic solution to overwhelming pain, it implicitly highlights the inadequacy of such solutions in addressing the root causes of misery. The Bible consistently calls for justice and compassion for the vulnerable, urging God's people to actively care for the needy and to dismantle systems that perpetuate poverty and oppression. This passage, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of the depths of human suffering and the desperate need for true, lasting relief, which ultimately points beyond temporary oblivion to God's ultimate redemption and the coming kingdom where all suffering will cease.

* [Psalm 72:12-14](/psalms/72-12-14 "Psalm 72:12-14 - Deliverance of the Needy")
* [Isaiah 58:6-7](/isaiah/58-6-7 "Isaiah 58:6-7 - True Fasting and Justice")
* [Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Matthew 25:35-40 - The Sheep and the Goats")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 31:7 challenges us to look beyond simplistic moral judgments and to deeply confront the profound, debilitating suffering of those in extreme destitution and despair. While modern understanding of addiction and the long-term effects of alcohol would rightly caution against endorsing this as a general solution for suffering, the underlying principle of profound compassion for the utterly despairing remains profoundly relevant. It calls us to recognize that some pain is so overwhelming that people seek any means, however temporary or problematic, for relief. For believers, this should not lead to a dismissal of the verse but rather to a deeper commitment to understanding and alleviating suffering in holistic, redemptive ways. It compels us to move beyond superficial charity to systemic justice, to address the root causes of poverty and misery, and to offer not just temporary escape but lasting hope and true transformation found in Christ. Our response to the suffering of others should be marked by profound empathy, practical help that seeks lasting solutions, and the sharing of the enduring hope of the Gospel, which offers ultimate comfort and restoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my assumptions about poverty, suffering, and the ways people cope with overwhelming pain?**
* **In what ways can the church genuinely address the "misery" of the poor and marginalized in our communities today, moving beyond temporary fixes to systemic change and holistic care?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of deeper compassion and understanding for those who are "ready to perish" or "of heavy hearts," even if their coping mechanisms are not ideal or are self-destructive?**
* **What does this verse teach me about the importance of discerning context, nuance, and the specific plight of individuals when applying biblical wisdom and ethical principles?**

### FAQ
**Does Proverbs 31:7 endorse drunkenness or the use of alcohol for everyone?**

Answer: No, Proverbs 31:7 does not endorse general drunkenness or the recreational use of alcohol for everyone. The context is absolutely crucial. The preceding verses ([Proverbs 31:4-5](/proverbs/31-4-5 "Proverbs 31:4-5 - Warning Against Alcohol for Kings")) sternly warn kings against drinking, emphasizing that it impairs judgment and leads to injustice. Verse 7 is a specific, limited allowance for those in the direst circumstances—"him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts" ([Proverbs 31:6](/proverbs/31-6 "Proverbs 31:6 - Give Strong Drink to the Perishing")). It acknowledges the overwhelming nature of their suffering and offers a temporary, palliative measure, not a general license for intoxication. The wisdom here is about profound compassion for the severely afflicted, not a blanket approval of alcohol consumption.

**How does this verse reconcile with other biblical warnings against alcohol abuse?**

Answer: This verse reconciles with other biblical warnings by highlighting the specific, extreme context of its application. The Bible consistently condemns drunkenness (e.g., [Proverbs 23:20-21](/proverbs/23-20-21 "Proverbs 23:20-21 - Do Not Be Among Heavy Drinkers") and [Ephesians 5:18](/ephesians/5-18 "Ephesians 5:18 - Be Filled with the Spirit")) and its destructive consequences. However, it also recognizes alcohol's medicinal or pain-relieving properties in certain situations. Proverbs 31:7 falls into this latter category, presenting a pragmatic, albeit temporary, measure for those experiencing profound, unbearable misery. It's not a contradiction, but a nuanced application of wisdom that considers the desperate plight of the suffering, distinguishing between responsible use, abuse, and palliative use in extreme cases of human anguish.

**What is the underlying wisdom or principle in this verse for us today?**

Answer: The underlying wisdom is a profound call to compassion and empathy for those in extreme suffering. It forces us to confront the harsh realities of destitution, despair, and overwhelming sorrow that can drive individuals to seek any form of temporary escape. While modern society has different, often more effective, approaches to pain management and addiction, the verse's core message is to recognize and respond to deep human anguish. It prompts us to consider how we can offer genuine, lasting relief and hope to the marginalized and suffering, addressing not just symptoms but root causes, and ultimately pointing them to the true and lasting comfort found in God. It reminds us that wisdom is not always simplistic but often requires discerning the nuances of human experience and suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 31:7, with its poignant portrayal of human misery and the desperate search for temporary relief, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The verse speaks to the deep human longing for an escape from suffering, poverty, and the crushing weight of a fallen world. While alcohol offers only fleeting oblivion, Jesus offers true and lasting deliverance. He is the one who came "to proclaim good news to the poor... to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" ([Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Inaugural Sermon and Mission")). Christ did not offer temporary forgetfulness but bore our sorrows and carried our griefs, experiencing the depths of human suffering on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - The Suffering Servant Bears Our Griefs")). Through His sacrifice, He provides not just a momentary escape but a permanent solution to the misery of sin and its consequences, offering forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and the promise of eternal life where "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" ([Revelation 21:4](/rev/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - God Wipes Away Every Tear")). Thus, the temporary solace sought in Proverbs 31:7 is ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in the enduring peace, comfort, and redemptive work of the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of the world and all its attendant miseries ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;