Proverbs 31:1-9 (New International Version)

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Sayings of King Lemuel

1 The sayings¹ of King Lemuel--an oracle^a his mother taught him: 2 "O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,^b² 3 do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.³ 4 "It is not for kings, O Lemuel-- not for kings to drink wine,⁴ not for rulers to crave beer, 5 lest they drink⁵ and forget what the law decrees,⁶ and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. 6 Give beer to those who are perishing, wine⁷ to those who are in anguish; 7 let them drink⁸ and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. 8 "Speak⁹ up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."¹⁰

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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online)

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