⁴ It is not for ^(A)kings, Lemuel,
It is not for kings to ^(B)drink wine,
Or for rulers to desire intoxicating drink,
⁵ Otherwise they will drink and forget what is decreed,
And ^(C)pervert the ^[a]rights of all the ^[b]needy.
⁶ Give intoxicating drink to one who is ^(D)perishing,
And wine to one ^[c](E)whose life is bitter.
⁷ Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his trouble no more.

⁹ Open your mouth, ^(A)judge righteously,
And ^[a]defend the ^(B)rights of the poor and needy.