Proverbs 31:1-9 ▼

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

2 No, my son! No, son of my womb! No, son of my vows!

3 Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink;

5 or else they will drink and forget what has been decreed, and will pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;

7 let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more.

8 Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.

9 Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.