Devine Scripture

Proverbs 31:6

What does Proverbs 31:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 31:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 31:6 means

In a seeming paradox to the previous warning, this verse suggests a compassionate, if limited, use for strong drink: giving it to those who are on the brink of death or are "bitter in soul." This is not an endorsement of drunkenness, but rather an acknowledgment of its temporary analgesic effect. For the utterly hopeless, the dying, or those plunged into deep despair, a small measure of strong drink could offer a momentary respite from overwhelming suffering, acting as a form of ancient palliative care or comfort.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Give strong drink to him who is near to destruction, and wine to him whose soul is bitter:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Give strong drink to the perishing, And wine to the bitter in soul,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Give strong drink to them that are sad; and wine to them that are grieved in mind:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

After the specific warnings against royal indulgence in strong drink (verses 4-5), this verse presents a striking contrast. It offers an exception, or a different application, for alcohol, focusing on its use for comfort rather than consumption by those in authority. This prepares the reader for the next verse, which elaborates on the desired effect of this limited use of strong drink.

v.5Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.

v.6This passage

v.7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Samuel 1:10

    And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto Jehovah, and wept sore.

  • 2 Kings 4:27

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

  • Psalms 104:15

    And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, Andoil to make his face to shine, And bread that strengtheneth man’s heart.

  • 1 Timothy 5:23

    Be no longer a drinker of water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.

  • 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.

  • Job 3:20

    Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, And life unto the bitter in soul;

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Proverbs 31

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Proverbs 31.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Proverbs 31:6.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary