Proverbs 31:7 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 31:7 mean?

Proverbs 31:7 describes giving drink to someone who is suffering, so that he may forget his poverty and not remember his misery. The verse suggests allowing a person in hardship a temporary escape from his troubles through drink.

In the immediate context, this verse is part of advice from King Lemuel’s mother, explaining why strong drink is not fitting for rulers but can be given to those in distress. The focus is on the relief of those weighed down by poverty and misery, not as a prescription for everyone, but as a recognition of human suffering.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 31:7

• The word for "drink" is שָׁתָה (shatah), which simply means to drink, often referring to consuming wine or strong drink in the Old Testament. Here, it is about letting the suffering person have something to dull his pain.
• "Forget" is שָׁכַח (shakach), meaning to lose memory or awareness. The verse uses it to describe the temporary relief from the constant awareness of poverty.
• "Poverty" is רֵאשׁ (resh), which refers to a state of being poor or lacking. The verse highlights the deep need and hardship faced by the person.
• "Remember" is זָכַר (zakar), meaning to recall or bring to mind. The idea is that the drink allows the person not to keep recalling his misery.
• "Misery" is עָמָל (amal), which means trouble, toil, or suffering. The verse acknowledges the heavy burden some people carry.

Why Proverbs 31:7 matters

• Proverbs 31:7 is not a blanket endorsement of drinking but recognizes the reality of human suffering and the desire for relief, especially for those in deep distress.
• The verse helps clarify the contrast in the passage: rulers are warned against drinking because it can cloud judgment, but for the desperate, it may offer a brief respite.
• This verse shows compassion for the poor and suffering, acknowledging their pain rather than ignoring it, and fits into the larger biblical theme of caring for those in hardship.