Proverbs 31:7
Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
Original Language Analysis
וְיִשְׁכַּ֣ח
and forget
H7911
וְיִשְׁכַּ֣ח
and forget
Strong's:
H7911
Word #:
2 of 7
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
וַ֝עֲמָל֗וֹ
his misery
H5999
וַ֝עֲמָל֗וֹ
his misery
Strong's:
H5999
Word #:
4 of 7
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, wine served social and medicinal functions. The poor rarely afforded strong drink, making this prescription particularly striking—even the destitute dying deserve comfort. This reflects covenantal compassion for society's most vulnerable.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Scripture permit what it elsewhere restricts—what principle of wisdom governs the ethical use of substances?
- How should the church balance compassionate relief of suffering with the call to remain sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8)?
- What does Christ's choice to feel the full weight of the cross teach about redemptive suffering versus escapism?
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Analysis & Commentary
Let him drink, and forget his poverty—The Hebrew rishon (רִישׁוֹן, poverty/lack) describes destitution. For one ready to perish (v. 6), temporary forgetfulness of suffering is merciful. The phrase remember his misery no more (וַעֲמָלוֹ לֹא יִזְכָּר־עוֹד, va'amalo lo yizkar-od) speaks to compassionate relief from amal (עָמָל, toil/trouble/misery).
This stands in stark contrast to verses 4-5 where rulers must never cloud their judgment with drink. The wisdom literature consistently distinguishes between those with ongoing responsibilities (who must remain sober) and those for whom earthly responsibilities have ended (who may receive merciful relief). This prefigures Christ who, though offered pain relief, chose to remain fully conscious to accomplish redemption.