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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 31:6 Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/31-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/20_Pro_31_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 31:6 - The Words of King Lemuel" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul." /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/31.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/31.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Give intoxicating drink to one who is perishing, And wine to one whose life is bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to him whose life is bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those whose soul is bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away, And wine to him whose life is bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Give beer to one who is dying and wine to one whose life is bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Give beer to one who is dying and wine to one whose life is bitter. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Beer and wine are only for the dying or for those who have lost all hope. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto the bitter in soul:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Give liquor to a person who is dying and wine to one who feels resentful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Alcohol is for people who are dying, for those who are in misery. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitterly distressed; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that are of heavy hearts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to the bitter in soul. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Give strong drink to the perishing, "" And wine to the bitter in soul,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Give strong drink to the perishing, And wine to the bitter in soul,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Ye shall give strong drink to him perishing, and wine to the bitter of soul.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Give strong drink to them that are sad: and wine to them that are grieved in mind: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Give strong drink to the grieving, and wine to those who are bitter in soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Give strong drink to anyone who is perishing, and wine to the embittered; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let strong drink be given to those who mourn, and wine to those who are of heavy heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Strong drink is given to mourners and wine to bitter souls,<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Give strong drink to those that are in sorrow, and the wine to drink to those in pain:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/31-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=6450" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/31.htm">The Words of King Lemuel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: tə·nū- (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">Give</a> <a href="/hebrew/7941.htm" title="7941: šê·ḵār (N-ms) -- Intoxicating drink, strong drink. From shakar; an intoxicant, i.e. Intensely alcoholic liquor.">strong drink</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: lə·’ō·w·ḇêḏ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish.">to one who is perishing,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3196.htm" title="3196: wə·ya·yin (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Wine. From an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine; by implication, intoxication.">and wine</a> <a href="/hebrew/4751.htm" title="4751: lə·mā·rê (Prep-l:: Adj-mpc) -- Bitter, bitterness. Or marah; from marar; bitter; also bitterness, or bitterly.">to the bitter</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nā·p̄eš (N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">in soul.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-22.htm">Isaiah 5:22</a></span><br />Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing strong drink,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/28-7.htm">Isaiah 28:7</a></span><br />These also stagger from wine and stumble from strong drink: Priests and prophets reel from strong drink and are befuddled by wine. They stumble because of strong drink, muddled in their visions and stumbling in their judgments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23</a></span><br />Stop drinking only water and use a little wine instead, because of your stomach and your frequent ailments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a></span><br />Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">1 Peter 4:3</a></span><br />For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Romans 13:13</a></span><br />Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-21.htm">Galatians 5:21</a></span><br />and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-34.htm">Luke 21:34</a></span><br />But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-10.htm">1 Corinthians 6:10</a></span><br />nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/2-15.htm">Habakkuk 2:15</a></span><br />Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin until they are drunk, in order to gaze at their nakedness!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-11.htm">Hosea 4:11</a></span><br />to promiscuity, wine, and new wine, which take away understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/1-5.htm">Joel 1:5</a></span><br />Wake up, you drunkards, and weep; wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine, for it has been cut off from your mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/6-6.htm">Amos 6:6</a></span><br />You drink wine by the bowlful and anoint yourselves with the finest oils, but you fail to grieve over the ruin of Joseph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:19</a></span><br />A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-14.htm">Psalm 104:14-15</a></span><br />He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth: / wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that be of heavy hearts.</p><p class="hdg">strong</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/104-15.htm">Psalm 104:15</a></b></br> And wine <i>that</i> maketh glad the heart of man, <i>and</i> oil to make <i>his</i> face to shine, and bread <i>which</i> strengtheneth man's heart.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23</a></b></br> Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.</p><p class="hdg">of heavy hearts or bitter of soul</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-10.htm">1 Samuel 1:10</a></b></br> And she <i>was</i> in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/30-6.htm">1 Samuel 30:6</a></b></br> And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/4-27.htm">2 Kings 4:27</a></b></br> And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul <i>is</i> vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid <i>it</i> from me, and hath not told me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/1-27.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-4.htm">Beer</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-7.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-3.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-10.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-19.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-3.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-24.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-18.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/psalms/39-10.htm">Perishing</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-12.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-24.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-4.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-4.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/8-22.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/isaiah/15-8.htm">Beer</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-26.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-7.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-7.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-13.htm">Heavy</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-12.htm">Life</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-15.htm">Perishing</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-24.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-17.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-3.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/31-1.htm">Lemuel's lesson of chastity and temperance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/31-6.htm">The afflicted are to be comforted and defended</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">The praise and properties of a good wife</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/31.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Give strong drink to one who is perishing</b><br>This phrase suggests a context of providing comfort or relief to those who are in distress or facing death. In ancient times, strong drink, often a fermented beverage, was used for medicinal purposes or to ease pain. The idea of giving strong drink to someone who is perishing aligns with the cultural practices of using alcohol as a form of palliative care. This can be seen in other parts of Scripture, such as when wine was offered to Jesus on the cross (<a href="/mark/15-23.htm">Mark 15:23</a>) to ease His suffering, though He refused it. Theologically, this phrase can be seen as an acknowledgment of human compassion and mercy, providing temporary relief to those in dire situations.<p><b>and wine to the bitter in soul</b><br>Wine, in biblical times, was a common beverage and often symbolized joy and celebration. However, in this context, it is given to those who are "bitter in soul," indicating deep emotional distress or sorrow. This phrase suggests that wine can serve as a temporary solace for those experiencing profound grief or hardship. The cultural context of the time recognized wine as a means to lift spirits and provide a momentary escape from the burdens of life. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that acknowledges human suffering and the need for comfort, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/104-15.htm">Psalm 104:15</a>, which speaks of wine gladdening the heart. Theologically, it reflects the understanding that while earthly comforts are temporary, they can be a means of grace in times of need.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_perishing.htm">The Perishing</a></b><br>This refers to individuals who are in a state of physical decline or facing imminent death. In the context of ancient times, this could include those suffering from terminal illnesses or severe injuries.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_bitter_in_soul.htm">The Bitter in Soul</a></b><br>This describes individuals experiencing deep emotional distress or sorrow. The Hebrew word used here, (marat nephesh), conveys a sense of profound bitterness or anguish.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/strong_drink_and_wine.htm">Strong Drink and Wine</a></b><br>These are alcoholic beverages that were commonly used in ancient times for medicinal purposes and to provide temporary relief from pain or distress.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/compassionate_care.htm">Compassionate Care</a></b><br>The verse suggests a compassionate response to those who are suffering, whether physically or emotionally. It encourages us to consider how we can provide comfort and relief to those in distress.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_use.htm">Discernment in Use</a></b><br>While the verse acknowledges the use of strong drink for relief, it also implies the need for discernment. Believers should be cautious about the potential for misuse and ensure that their actions align with biblical principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_context.htm">Understanding Context</a></b><br>Recognize the cultural and historical context of the verse. In ancient times, strong drink was one of the few available means to alleviate pain and suffering. Today, we have more options, but the principle of providing comfort remains relevant.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/emotional_support.htm">Emotional Support</a></b><br>The mention of the "bitter in soul" highlights the importance of emotional support. As Christians, we are called to bear one another's burdens and offer encouragement to those who are struggling.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balance_and_moderation.htm">Balance and Moderation</a></b><br>The Bible consistently teaches the importance of balance and moderation. This verse should not be used to justify excessive drinking but rather to emphasize the appropriate use of resources to aid those in need.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_ashkelon's_biblical_role.htm">What is the Bible's stance on alcohol consumption?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'rise_first'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:1?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_proverbs_20_1_align_with_alcohol_research.htm">Proverbs 20:1 labels wine as deceptive--how does this align with modern research suggesting moderate alcohol consumption can be beneficial?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_ban_all_grape_products_in_numbers_6_2-3.htm">Numbers 6:2-3 -- Why forbid all grape products without providing a clear historical or scientific rationale?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish.</span>--For this is not waste, but an advantageous use of God's gift. (Comp. St. Paul's advice, <a href="/1_timothy/5-23.htm" title="Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your often infirmities.">1Timothy 5:23</a>.) It was out of a merciful remembrance of this passage that the pious ladies of Jerusalem used to provide a medicated drink for criminals condemned to be crucified, in order to deaden their pain. This was offered to our Lord (<a href="/matthew/27-34.htm" title="They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.">Matthew 27:34</a>), but He would not drink it, as He wished to keep His mind clear to the last, and was willing to drink to the dregs the "cup which His Father had given Him."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - There are cases where strong drink may be properly administered. <span class="cmt_word">Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish</span> (<a href="/job/29-13.htm">Job 29:13</a>; <a href="/job/31-19.htm">Job 31:19</a>). As a restorative, a cordial, or a medicine, wine may he advantageously used; it has a place in the providential economy of God. "Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities," was St. Paul's advice to Timothy (<a href="/1_timothy/5-23.htm">1 Timothy 5:23</a>). It is supposed to have been in consideration of the injunction in the text that the ladies of Jerusalem provided for criminals on their way to the place of execution a drink of medicated wine, which might deaden the pain of suffering. This was the draught rejected by Christ, who willed to taste the full bitterness of death (<a href="/matthew/27-34.htm">Matthew 27:34</a>; <a href="/mark/15-23.htm">Mark 15:23</a>). The Septuagint has, "to those that are in sorrow;" so the Vulgate, <span class="accented">maerentibus</span>, but this makes the two clauses tautological. <span class="cmt_word">Wine unto those that be of heavy hearts</span> (<a href="/job/3-20.htm">Job 3:20</a>). "Wine," says the psalmist, "maketh glad the heart of man" (<a href="/psalms/104-15.htm">Psalm 104:15</a>). Says Homer, 'Iliad,' 6:261 - <p><span class="accented">"Great is the strength <br />Which generous wine imparts to wearied men."</span> Wine, says St. Chrysostom ('Hom. in Ephes.,' 19), "has been given us for cheerfulness, not for drunkenness. Wouldest thou know where wine is good? Hear what the Scripture saith, 'Give wine to them, etc. And justly, because it can mitigate asperity and gloominess, and drive away clouds from the brow" (comp. Ecclus. 34 [31]:25, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/31-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Give</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּנוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(tə·nū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">strong drink</span><br /><span class="heb">שֵׁכָ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(šê·ḵār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7941.htm">Strong's 7941: </a> </span><span class="str2">An intoxicant, intensely alcoholic liquor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to one who is perishing,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאוֹבֵ֑ד</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ō·w·ḇêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wander away, lose oneself, to perish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and wine</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝יַיִן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ya·yin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3196.htm">Strong's 3196: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wine, intoxication</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the bitter</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמָ֣רֵי</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4751.htm">Strong's 4751: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bitter, bitterness, bitterly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in soul.</span><br /><span class="heb">נָֽפֶשׁ׃</span> <span class="translit">(nā·p̄eš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/31-6.htm">Proverbs 31:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/31-6.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:6 Give strong drink to him who (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 31:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 31:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/31-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 31:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 31:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>