Proverbs 31:7
Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
Proverbs 31:7
This verse continues the compassionate counterpoint to verse 6. It emphasizes the relief of distress: “Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.” The language reflects the ancient practice of providing temporary comfort to those who suffer, so they can endure hardship with a clearer mind, even if only briefly. In the broader context of the poem, the virtuous woman is a foil to the impatient, punitive social norms that would condemn the afflicted. The verse speaks to leniency, mercy, and a willingness to extend grace to those who are downtrodden. It’s not endorsing irresponsibility but acknowledging that in extreme poverty and anguish, people need relief to survive until circumstances improve. The cultural setting also reveals a communal ethos: the well-being of the poor is a communal concern, and nurturing relief is part of social righteousness.
Theologically, the verse raises questions about justice, mercy, and communal responsibility. It’s a corrective to the stigma that accompanies poverty and misery. By affirming relief for the distressed, it aligns with biblical themes of care for the vulnerable (the orphan, the widow, the poor). It highlights God’s own heart toward those who are afflicted and invites believers to imitate that mercy. Yet it also acknowledges the limits of relief—temporary forgetfulness does not erase structural injustice. The verse challenges communities to address root causes while offering compassionate respite. It also foregrounds human frailty and the need for ongoing restoration, pointing toward a hopeful vision where poverty is not the final word.
Practically, this invites compassionate generosity that respects dignity. Support programs can provide temporary relief—rent assistance during a crisis, medical care access, counseling, or food security—while also guiding people toward sustainable solutions: job training, education, and social services. Personal actions include offering a listening ear to someone overwhelmed by debt or illness, helping them navigate resources, or sharing a meal and a safe space to rest. Communities can create mercy funds that operate with accountability and avoid enabling chronic dependency, while still prioritizing the immediate well-being of the vulnerable. The verse also challenges us to examine our own responses to poverty: do we rush to judgment, or do we seek to lighten the burden in practical, respectful ways?
Cross-References: Leviticus 19:33-34; Psalm 82:3-4; Proverbs 14:31; Luke 4:18-19; James 2:15-16