Proverbs 31:1–9

THE WORDS OF LEMUEL

31 The words of King Lemuel,

a pronouncementD,t that his mother taught him:

2 What should I say, my son?

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.

5 Otherwise, he will drink,

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