1
The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.
2
What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?
3
Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes [to say], Where is strong drink?
5
Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice [due] to any that is afflicted.
6
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:
7
Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
8
Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate.
9
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.
10
A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.