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It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
    it is not for kings to drink wine,
    nor for princes strong drink;
lest they drink and forget the law,
    and pervert the justice of any of the afflicted.
Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish,
    and wine to those who are of heavy hearts.
Let him drink, and forget his poverty,
    and remember his misery no more.

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(A)It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
(B)Lest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all [a]the afflicted.
(C)Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his misery no more.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 31:5 Lit. sons of affliction