Proverbs 31:1-8

The Words of Lemuel

31:1 The words of King Lemuel,

an oracle that his mother taught him:

31:2 O my son, O son of my womb,

O son of my vows,

31:3 Do not give your strength to women,

nor your ways to that which ruins kings.

31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,

it is not for kings to drink wine,

or for rulers to crave strong drink,

31:5 lest they drink and forget what is decreed,

and remove from all the poor their legal rights.

31:6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,

and wine to those who are bitterly distressed;

31:7 let them drink and forget their poverty,

and remember their misery no more.

31:8 Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak,

for the legal rights of all the dying.