Proverbs 31:4-9

New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

⁴ It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
    it is not for kings to drink wine,
    or for rulers to desire^[a] strong drink;
⁵ or else they will drink and forget what has been decreed,
    and will pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
⁶ Give strong drink to one who is perishing,
    and wine to those in bitter distress;
⁷ let them drink and forget their poverty,
    and remember their misery no more.
⁸ Speak out for those who cannot speak,
    for the rights of all the destitute.^[b]
9 Speak out, judge righteously,
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.