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

Proverbs 31:1-9

1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

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

2 What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?

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, your ways to those who destroy 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 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.

The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.