Proverbs 31:3-9
Holman Christian Standard Bible
3 Don’t spend your energy(A) on women
or your efforts on those who destroy kings.(B)
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel,
it is not for kings(C) to drink wine(D)
or for rulers to desire beer.
5 Otherwise, they[a] will drink,
forget what is decreed,(E)
and pervert justice for all the oppressed.[b](F)
6 Give beer to one who is dying
and wine to one whose life is bitter.(G)
7 Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty
and remember his trouble no more.(H)
8 Speak up[c] for those who have no voice,[d](I)
for the justice of all who are dispossessed.[e]
9 Speak up,[f] judge righteously,(J)
and defend the cause of[g] the oppressed and needy.(K)
Footnotes
- Proverbs 31:5 Lit he
- Proverbs 31:5 Lit sons of affliction
- Proverbs 31:8 Lit Open your mouth
- Proverbs 31:8 Lit who are mute
- Proverbs 31:8 Lit all the sons of passing away
- Proverbs 31:9 Lit Open your mouth
- Proverbs 31:9 Lit and justice for
Proverbs 31:3-9
International Standard Version
3 Never devote all your energy to sex,[a]
or dedicate your life[b] to destroying kings.
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel—
Not for kings to drink wine
or for rulers to desire liquor.
5 Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained,
perverting justice for all the oppressed.
6 Give liquor to someone who is perishing,
and wine to someone who is deeply depressed.[c]
7 Let him drink, forget his poverty,
and remember his troubles no more.
8 Speak for those who cannot speak;
seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction.[d]
9 Speak up, judge righteously,
and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 31:3 Lit. women
- Proverbs 31:3 Lit. ways
- Proverbs 31:6 Lit. one whose soul is bitter
- Proverbs 31:8 Lit. all sons of destruction
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 1995-2014 by ISV Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. Used by permission of Davidson Press, LLC.
