Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 31:6

"Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:" — Proverbs 31:6 (ASV)

The true purpose of the power of wine over a person’s mind and body is as a restorative and remedial agent. Compare the marginal reference (found in the original source). This same thought showed itself in the Jewish practice of giving a cup of wine to mourners and (as in the history of the crucifixion) to criminals at their execution.