Parallel Bible results for "Proverbs 31:1-9"

Proverbs 31:1-9

1 The words of Lemuel, king of Massa: the teaching which he had from his mother.

1 The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.

2 What am I to say to you, O Lemuel, my oldest son? and what, O son of my body? and what, O son of my oaths?

2 Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!

3 Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which is the destruction of kings.

3 Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to take wine, or for rulers to say, Where is strong drink?

4 It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,

5 For fear that through drinking they may come to have no respect for the law, wrongly judging the cause of those who are in trouble.

5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

6 Give strong drink to him who is near to destruction, and wine to him whose soul is bitter:

6 Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!

7 Let him have drink, and his need will go from his mind, and the memory of his trouble will be gone.

7 Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

8 Let your mouth be open for those who have no voice, in the cause of those who are ready for death.

8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

9 Let your mouth be open, judging rightly, and give right decisions in the cause of the poor and those in need.

9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

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