Proverbs 31:1–9
31 The words of King Lemuel,
a pronouncementE,t that his mother taught him:
What, son of my womb?u
What, son of my vows?
3 Don’t spend your energyv on women
or your efforts on those who destroy kings.w
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel,
it is not for kingsx to drink winey
or for rulers to desire beer.
forget what is decreed,z
and pervert justice for all the oppressed.A,a
6 Give beer to one who is dying
and wine to one whose life is bitter.b
7 Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty
and remember his trouble no more.c
8 Speak up* for those who have no voice,C,d
for the justice of all who are dispossessed.D
9 Speak up, judge righteously,e
and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.f