Proverbs 31:6
Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to the bitter in soul.
A Conservative Version
In The King James Version
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
In Context
5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice [due] to any who is afflicted.
7Let him drink, and forget his need, and remember his misery no more.
Cross References
1 Samuel 30:6And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters. But David strengthened himself in LORD his God.
Job 3:20Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul,
Psalms 104:15and wine that makes glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make his face to shine, and bread that strengthens man's heart.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 31:2-10
Maternal Counsels to King Lemuel. 1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. 2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto… Read the whole commentary →