Proverbs 31:1-9 ▼

1 The words of king Lamuel. The vision by which his mother instructed him:

2 “What, O my beloved? What, O beloved of my womb? What, O beloved of my vows?

3 Do not give your substance to women, or your riches to overthrow kings.

4 Not to kings, O Lamuel, not to kings give wine. For there are no secrets where drunkenness reigns.

5 And perhaps they may drink and forget judgments, and alter the case of the sons of the poor.

6 Give strong drink to the grieving, and wine to those who are bitter in soul.

7 Let them drink, and forget their needs, and remember their sorrow no more.

8 Open your mouth for the mute and for all the cases of the sons who are passing through.

9 Open your mouth, declare what is just, and do justice to the indigent and the poor.