Proverbs 31:5 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 31:5 mean?

Proverbs 31:5 warns that if rulers drink alcohol, they may forget the law and make unfair decisions that harm those who are already suffering. The verse highlights the danger of impaired judgment for those responsible for justice.

This verse is part of advice given by a mother (often called King Lemuel’s mother) to her royal son about wise leadership. She cautions him that drinking can cloud his mind, leading him to neglect the law and twist justice, especially against people who are afflicted or vulnerable. The focus is on the responsibility leaders have to uphold fairness and protect those in need.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 31:5

• "Drink" (שָׁתָה, shatah): This word means to drink, usually referring to consuming alcohol in this context. The warning is about the specific risk of drinking clouding judgment.
• "Forget" (שָׁכַח, shakach): This word means to forget or lose sight of something important. Here, it points to the danger of forgetting the law or what is right.
• "Law" (חֹק, choq): This term means a statute, ordinance, or law. In this verse, it refers to the established rules or principles that a ruler is supposed to remember and uphold.
• "Pervert" (שָׁנָה, shanah): This word means to change or alter, often in a negative sense. In this context, it means to twist or corrupt judgment, leading to injustice.
• "Judgment" (דִּין, din): This word means a legal decision or justice. The verse warns against corrupting or distorting fair judgment.
• "Afflicted" (בֵּן עָנִי, ben ani): This phrase means "son of the afflicted" or simply "the afflicted," referring to those who are suffering or vulnerable and most at risk of being treated unfairly.

Why Proverbs 31:5 matters

• Proverbs 31:5 clarifies that the warning is not about alcohol in general, but specifically about leaders whose impaired judgment can harm the vulnerable.
• The verse emphasizes the special responsibility of rulers to remember and uphold the law, especially for those who cannot defend themselves.
• This verse connects to the larger passage, which is about wise and just leadership, showing that personal choices of leaders have real consequences for the people they serve.