Proverbs 31:5 Meaning and Explanation
“Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Intoxication leads rulers to abandon justice and harm the vulnerable.
The Context of Proverbs 31:5
The practical harm of royal intoxication—failure to protect the weak.
What Does Proverbs 31:5 Mean?
The consequence is explicit: drunken rulers forget the law and pervert judgment of the afflicted. 'Pervert' suggests deliberate or careless distortion—judgment becomes cruel, arbitrary, or inverted. In ancient societies, the king was the final court of appeal for the vulnerable who had no other recourse.
This verse explains the mother's concern not as moral perfectionism but as protection of the defenseless. When a ruler's mind is clouded, those most dependent on impartial justice suffer. The warning ties sobriety directly to the care of the poor and powerless.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 31:5
What does Proverbs 31:5 mean?
Intoxication leads rulers to abandon justice and harm the vulnerable.
What is the context of Proverbs 31:5?
The practical harm of royal intoxication—failure to protect the weak.