Drinking to forget misery?

One thing to remember is that Hebrew poetry rhymes meaning, not sounds. All of the ideas in these two verses are related to each other. Basically, this proverb is saying to give wine to someone in misery on their death bed, similar to giving someone morphine or related drug to ease their passing.

Andy

 

I don't think this is a translation issue, but it is a good question nevertheless. But just as there are some who have made up their minds that the KJV is the "Word of God" and there is no other, there are those who have made up their minds that drinking wine or "strong drink" is to be condemned, no matter what this passage says. Watch them try to say that fresh-crushed grapes are the "wine" and Kool-Aid is "strong drink" which makes one forget poverty or a 'heavy heart.'

 

Remember, drink was at times a medical necessity in those days as an anesthetic. Drink was given to relieve actual pain and misery.

 

Alcott is right - this is not a translation issue. Back then they had wine and water - and the water wasn't always really drinkable. Just as we sometimes eat a little too much at dinner, people in biblical times might drink a little more wine sometimes with supper! They didn't do it because they wanted to be bad they just did it!

This is not the same as actively going to the 7 Eleven and buying a 6 pack of something that you don't need when there are many other safe drinking options.

So yes this passage is saying let him drink wine!