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 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
    and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
⁶ Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
    and wine to those in bitter distress;
⁷ let them drink and forget their poverty,
    and remember their misery no more.

⁹ Open your mouth, judge righteously,
    maintain the rights of the poor and needy.