Proverbs 31:6

Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, ¹  and wine to those who are bitterly distressed; ² 

1Sa 1:10; 1Sa 30:6; 2Ki 4:27; Ps 104:15; 1Ti 5:23

¹ sn Wine and beer should be given to those distressed and dying in order to ease their suffering and help them forget.

² tn Heb “to the bitter of soul.” The phrase לְמָרֵי נָפֶשׁ (lÿmare nafesh) has been translated “of heavy hearts” (KJV); “in anguish” (NIV); “in misery” (TEV); “in bitter distress” (NRSV); “sorely depressed” (NAB); “in deep depression (NLT); “have lost all hope” (CEV). The word “bitter” (מַר, mar) describes the physical and mental/spiritual suffering as a result of affliction, grief, or suffering – these people are in emotional pain. So the idea of “bitterly distressed” works as well as any other translation.