Proverbs 31:1-9 ▼

1 The words of King Lemuel, the pronouncement which his mother taught him:

2 What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?

3 Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings.

4 It is not for kings, Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire intoxicating drink,

5 Otherwise they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the needy.

6 Give intoxicating drink to one who is perishing, And wine to one whose life is bitter.

7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his trouble no more.

8 Open your mouth for the people who cannot speak, For the rights of all the unfortunate.

9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the poor and needy.