Proverbs 31:1-9 Parallel Bible Translations

Proverbs 31:1-9
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1 The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him: The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
2 O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows? Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
3 Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which ruins kings. Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings. 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 crave strong drink, It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, 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 is decreed, and remove from all the poor their legal rights. lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. 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 who are bitterly distressed; Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; 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. let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
8 Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak, for the legal rights of all the dying. Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Open your mouth, judge in righteousness, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
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