⁴ It is not for kings, Lemuel,
it is not for kings^(A) to drink wine^(B)
or for rulers to desire beer.
⁵ Otherwise, they^[a] will drink,
forget what is decreed,^(C)
and pervert justice for all the oppressed.^[b](D)
6 Give beer to one who is dying
and wine to one whose life is bitter.^(E)
7 Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty
and remember his trouble no more.^(F)

⁹ Speak up,^[a] judge righteously,^(A)
and defend the cause of^[b] the oppressed and needy.^(B)