Proverbs 31:3-9
Christian Standard Bible
3 Don’t spend your energy(A) on women
or your efforts on those who destroy kings.(B)
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel,
it is not for kings(C) to drink wine(D)
or for rulers to desire beer.
5 Otherwise, he will drink,
forget what is decreed,(E)
and pervert justice for all the oppressed.[a](F)
6 Give beer to one who is dying
and wine to one whose life is bitter.(G)
7 Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty
and remember his trouble no more.(H)
8 Speak up[b] for those who have no voice,[c](I)
for the justice of all who are dispossessed.[d]
9 Speak up, judge righteously,(J)
and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.(K)
Proverbs 31:3-9
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
3 Do not give your strength to women,
your ways to those who destroy kings.(A)
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
it is not for kings to drink wine
or for rulers to desire[a] strong drink,(B)
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
and 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](C)
9 Speak out; judge righteously;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.(D)
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New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.