Proverbs 31:5
What does Proverbs 31:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 31:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 31:5 means
This verse explains the critical reasoning behind the prohibition of alcohol for kings given in verse 4. The mother warns that intoxication leads to a king forgetting "the law" — both divine and human statutes vital for justice. Consequently, such forgetfulness results in perverting justice, especially for "any that is afflicted," the most vulnerable members of society. A ruler's judgment is paramount, and alcohol directly compromises the clarity and impartiality needed to uphold righteousness and protect the helpless.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For fear that through drinking they may come to have no respect for the law, wrongly judging the cause of those who are in trouble.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Lest he drink, and forget the decree, And change the judgment of any of the sons of affliction.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And lest they drink and forget judgments, and pervert the cause of the children of the poor.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890— lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the children of affliction.
Context
This verse serves as the direct theological and practical *reason* for the command given in verse 4, explaining the detrimental consequences of alcohol for kings. It highlights the impact on justice and the protection of the vulnerable, contrasting sharply with the counsel that immediately follows in verses 6-7, which suggests a different, limited use for strong drink.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Habakkuk 2:5
Yea, moreover, wine is treacherous, a haughty man, that keepeth not at home; who enlargeth his desire as Sheol, and he is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all peoples.
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