Proverbs 31:5
Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
Original Language Analysis
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
וְיִשְׁכַּ֣ח
and forget
H7911
וְיִשְׁכַּ֣ח
and forget
Strong's:
H7911
Word #:
3 of 9
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
מְחֻקָּ֑ק
the law
H2710
מְחֻקָּ֑ק
the law
Strong's:
H2710
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, to hack, i.e., engrave (judges 5:14, to be a scribe simply); by implication, to enact (laws being cut in stone or metal tablets in primitive
וִֽ֝ישַׁנֶּה
and pervert
H8138
וִֽ֝ישַׁנֶּה
and pervert
Strong's:
H8138
Word #:
5 of 9
to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)
דִּ֣ין
the judgment
H1779
דִּ֣ין
the judgment
Strong's:
H1779
Word #:
6 of 9
judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Ancient judges and kings who drank risked taking bribes, showing partiality, or simply making poor decisions that harmed the vulnerable who depended on their just rulings for protection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does personal discipline (or lack thereof) affect your ability to serve others justly?
- Are there habits undermining your effectiveness in serving the vulnerable?
- What connection do you see between self-control and ability to execute justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The danger: 'Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.' Intoxication leads to forgetting God's law ('torah') and perverting justice ('mishpat'). Those who drink risk corrupting judgment, especially harming the vulnerable ('ani'—afflicted/poor). Reformed theology insists leaders must maintain clear minds to administer justice impartially. Substance abuse makes this impossible. This verse connects personal sobriety with public justice—self-control enables serving others righteously.