King James Version

What Does Proverbs 31:5 Mean?

Proverbs 31:5 in the King James Version says “Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted . prevert: Heb. alter of any: Heb....” — study this verse from Proverbs chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted . prevert: Heb. alter of any: Heb. of all the sons of affliction”

Proverbs 31:5 · KJV

Context

3

Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5

Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted . prevert: Heb. alter of any: Heb. of all the sons of affliction

6

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. of: Heb. bitter of soul

7

Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Read Proverbs 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does personal discipline (or lack thereof) affect your ability to serve others justly?
  2. Are there habits undermining your effectiveness in serving the vulnerable?
  3. What connection do you see between self-control and ability to execute justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
פֶּן1 of 9
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

יִ֭שְׁתֶּה2 of 9

“Lest they drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

וְיִשְׁכַּ֣ח3 of 9

“and forget”

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

מְחֻקָּ֑ק4 of 9

“the law”

H2710

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

וִֽ֝ישַׁנֶּה5 of 9

“and pervert”

H8138

to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)

דִּ֣ין6 of 9

“the judgment”

H1779

judgement (the suit, justice, sentence or tribunal); by implication also strife

כָּל7 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

בְּנֵי8 of 9

“of any of the afflicted”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עֹֽנִי׃9 of 9
H6040

depression, i.e., misery

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Proverbs 31:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Proverbs 31:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Habakkuk 2:5

Test Your Knowledge

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