English Standard Version ESV
New International Version NIV
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink,
4
It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
5
lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;
6
Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!
7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
7
Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.
8
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
9
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
10 An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
10
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
11
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
12
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
13
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.
14
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.