The Narrow Path Ministries

Pr 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
Pr 31:5 Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.
Pr 31:6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
Pr 31:7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.

Does anyone have insights on how these verses are properly interpretted/applied?

Verses 4-5 seem perfectly sensible to me.
The first part of verse 6 seems to suggest that it's okay to sedate those on their death bed.
The latter part of verse 6 and all of verse 7 seem to be saying it's okay to drown your sorrows in liquor.
I say "seems" because these verses take me progressively and quickly from a position that makes perfect sense to me, to one that leaves me scratching my noggin.

Thanks,
Perry

Hi Perry-

note these verses as well:

He causes the grass to grow for the cattle,
And vegetation for the service of man,
That he may bring forth food from the earth,
And wine that makes glad the heart of man,
Oil to make his face shine,
And bread which strengthens man’s heart. Ps. 104:14-15

in context it doesnt seem that wine is always a horrible thing.

The verses you quoted are problematic. Wine given to someone who is suffering in the pangs of death may lessen their suffering- there seems to be nothing obviously wrong in that, any moreso than paid meds given today.

The part about drowning ones sorrows with wine is much more difficult. The verses SEEM to be serious; i.e. it seems that Solomon is condoning this behavior. I know I remember Steve G discussing these verses in some of his lectures, but I cannot now remember exactly what he said; although I do think he was a little perplexed as to exactly how we should take them.

In those days, wine was served at joyous occasions (feasts, weddings, etc) so perhaps the verses mean that even the poor and embittered may find temporary respite from their plight on these happy occasions.

And it is possible that Solomon was simply making an observation about some facts of life, versus actually condoning the practice.

TK

TK wrote: in context it doesnt seem that wine is always a horrible thing.

Hiya TK,
If I gave the impression that I thought otherwise, it was unintentional. I'm not against taking a nip now and again, although it's very rare. When I take communion, I don't pick the grape juice

Verse 7 seems to go a bit beyond that, however, and I'm just not sure how to take it.