5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
5 Lest, hung over, they don't know right from wrong, and the people who depend on them are hurt.
5 Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.
5 For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 31:5
Commentary on Proverbs 31:1-9
(Read Proverbs 31:1-9)
When children are under the mother's eye, she has an opportunity of fashioning their minds aright. Those who are grown up, should often call to mind the good teaching they received when children. The many awful instances of promising characters who have been ruined by vile women, and love of wine, should warn every one to avoid these evils. Wine is to be used for want or medicine. Every creature of God is good, and wine, though abused, has its use. By the same rule, due praise and consolation should be used as cordials to the dejected and tempted, not administered to the confident and self-sufficient. All in authority should be more carefully temperate even than other men; and should be protectors of those who are unable or afraid to plead their own cause. Our blessed Lord did not decline the bitterest dregs of the cup of sorrow put into his hands; but he puts the cup of consolation into the hands of his people, and causes those to rejoice who are in the deepest distress.