Sayings of King Lemuel
1 The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
2
Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
3
Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.
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 deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
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.
8
Speak 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.