PROVERBS CHAPTER 31.
Proverbs for Lemuel, which his Mother Taught Him
OF PROPER KINGLY DEPORTMENT. — V. 4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings, to drink wine, to be given to drink, to be enslaved by the inebriating cup, nor for princes strong drink, they must never be under the influence of intoxicants, v. 5. lest they drink and, with their senses and intellect enfeebled by alcohol, forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted, so that all the poor, helpless, and needy would be obliged to forego justice, that justice no longer could be obtained.
V. 6. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, to those who are afflicted, heavy in heart, full of anxiety, who are on the point of expiring, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts, who are bowed down under the crushing weight of calamities which have befallen them. V. 7. Let him drink and forget his poverty, the effect of the intoxicant being to give him a brighter view of life, and remember his misery no more.
Not intemperance, but a moderate and proper use of wine and strong drink as gifts of God is here advocated, while total abstinence is recommended to those who occupy positions of authority and power.