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The Sayings of King Lemuel

31 The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message,[a] which his mother taught him.

O my son, O son of my womb,
    O son of my vows,
do not waste your strength on women,
    on those who ruin kings.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine.
    Rulers should not crave alcohol.
For if they drink, they may forget the law
    and not give justice to the oppressed.
Alcohol is for the dying,
    and wine for those in bitter distress.
Let them drink to forget their poverty
    and remember their troubles no more.

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
    ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
    and see that they get justice.

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Footnotes

  1. 31:1 Or of Lemuel, king of Massa; or of King Lemuel, an oracle.

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