It is not for kings, Lemuel—
    it is not for kings to drink wine,(A)
    not for rulers to crave beer,
lest they drink(B) and forget what has been decreed,(C)
    and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
Let beer be for those who are perishing,
    wine(D) for those who are in anguish!
Let them drink(E) and forget their poverty
    and remember their misery no more.

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It is not for kings, Lemuel—
    Not for kings to drink wine
        or for rulers to desire liquor.
Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained,
    perverting justice for all the oppressed.

Give liquor to someone who is perishing,
    and wine to someone who is deeply depressed.[a]
Let him drink, forget his poverty,
    and remember his troubles no more.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 31:6 Lit. one whose soul is bitter