Proverbs 31:7

Proverbs 31:7 is part of the "words of King Lemuel," a prophecy his mother taught him, found in the concluding chapter of the Book of Proverbs. This verse offers a specific, and often debated, instruction regarding the use of strong drink.

Context

This verse must be understood in light of the preceding verses, Proverbs 31:4-5, which sternly warn kings and rulers against consuming wine and strong drink, lest they "pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted." In contrast, Proverbs 31:6 advises giving strong drink "unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts." Verse 7 directly continues this thought, suggesting that for the desperately poor and miserable, drink might offer temporary oblivion from their overwhelming suffering. It's not an endorsement of general drunkenness, but a stark look at alleviating acute, debilitating distress among the most vulnerable in society.

Key Themes

• Compassion for the Afflicted: The primary theme is the recognition of profound suffering among the poor and the desire, however imperfectly expressed, to offer some form of relief. It highlights the desperate state of those in destitution and extreme hardship.
• Temporary Relief: The verse acknowledges that alcohol can provide a temporary escape from mental anguish and the harsh realities of poverty and misery. It describes its effect as allowing one to "forget his poverty" and "remember his misery no more," even if only for a short time.
• Contrast in Responsibility: It sharply contrasts the responsibilities of rulers (who must be sober to administer justice) with the plight of the common, suffering person for whom temporary forgetfulness might seem like the only solace. This underscores the societal concern for justice and care for the needy, a recurring theme throughout biblical wisdom literature (e.g., Isaiah 1:17).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "poverty" here is rish (רִישׁ), denoting destitution or extreme want. "Misery" comes from amal (עָמָל), which implies toil, trouble, or sorrow, often associated with the hardships and oppression of life. The advice to "drink" (שָׁתָה - *shatah*) to forget these burdens speaks to the potent, though often problematic, effect of intoxicants on the human mind.

Practical Application

While modern understanding of alcohol and addiction offers a different perspective, the underlying principle of Proverbs 31:7 remains powerful: a call to compassion for those in extreme suffering. It should prompt believers to:

• Recognize Deep Suffering: Be aware of the profound pain and despair faced by the poor and marginalized in society.
• Seek True Solutions: While temporary relief might be sought, the Bible ultimately points to lasting hope and relief from suffering through God's provision and justice. This echoes the promise of no more tears in the new creation.
• Act with Justice and Love: Instead of merely offering temporary escape, believers are called to address the root causes of poverty and misery, working for justice and demonstrating practical love, as exemplified throughout the Scriptures (e.g., James 2:15-16).