Proverbs 31:1-9

Words of King Lemuel

1 The words of King Lemuel of Massa, which his mother taught him:
2 No, my son! No, son of my womb! No, son of my solemn promises!
3 Don't give your strength to women, your ways to those who wipe out kings.
4 It isn't for kings, Lemuel, it isn't for kings to drink wine, for rulers to crave strong drink.
5 Otherwise, they will drink and forget the law, and violate the rights of the needy.
6 Give strong drink to those who are perishing and wine to those whose hearts are bitter.
7 Let them drink and forget their poverty and no longer remember their toil.
8 Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.
9 Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Or where or or
  • [b]. Or all children who are passing away
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